Another One Opens

Another One Opens from 2013 takes the viewer on an enigmatic journey with elements of humor, mystery, and drama. Directed by Anja Salomonowitz, the film stars accomplished actors Jacob Banigan, Dennis J. Kozeluh and Bronwynn Mertz-Penzinger, who deliver commendable performances and bring to life the richness of characters and the complexity of the plot.

The movie begins in an unassuming manner, setting the stage at a quaint bed-and-breakfast in Vienna. As soon as the first guest checks in, the storyline rapidly unravels from the ordinary to the surreal. The bed-and-breakfast serves as much more than just an accommodation for travelers; it is a space that blends timelines and realities and becomes a theatre for the exploration of human relationships and experiences.

Jacob Banigan plays the role of Mike, an American from Chicago, who is the first guest to arrive at the inn. He encounters strange situations and peculiar personalities that other guests encompass. Each guest represents a unique blend of nationality, culture, and temperament, embodying their individual secrets and eccentricities.

Dennis J. Kozeluh is Fred, the enigmatic owner of the bed-and-breakfast, who himself is shrouded in mystery. Fred doesn’t seem to fit into any conventional stereotype – he is eccentric, welcoming, and oddly paradoxical. It becomes quite evident that he has a deeper connection with the inn and the identities that converge within its walls.

Bronwynn Mertz-Penzinger as Nicole gives an intense performance. Her character adds an element of depth to the storyline as a single woman who carries an air of sadness and mystery about her. Nicole's emotional journey through the plot adds a dimension of poignant human experience that tugs at the heartstrings of the audience.

Another One Opens is more than just a feature film. It is a masterful blend of theater and cinema that explores human connections and existential puzzles. It beautifully captures the universal themes of serendipity, destiny and the exploration of the self. It paints with its narrative brush strokes the question – can people from different backgrounds find connections with each other in a space where boundaries of the ordinary are blurred?

The cinematography deserves special mention for capturing the beauty of the Viennese landscape and the charming interiors of the bed and breakfast, serving as a picturesque backdrop to the unfolding drama. The sound design complements the visual narrative, adding to the overall mysterious and intriguing feel of the film.

The theatrical-genre film draws its richness and charm from an improvisational style and a touch of magical realism. The dialogue is distinctive yet natural, reflecting the characters' uniqueness. The humor is ingeniously woven into the script, alleviating the dramatic tension when necessary and adding a delightful layer to the complexity of the narrative.

Some viewers may see Another One Opens as a symbolic representation of life itself, where unanticipated guests walk in, affecting the existing dynamics in unpredictable ways. The bed-and-breakfast could be perceived as the world, where people come from diverse backgrounds, carrying their unique stories, dreams, and predicaments.

Driven by a polished script and strong performances, Another One Opens is a film that keeps you engaged right from the start. It is not defined by its conclusion but by the questions it raises, the debates it furthers, and the mysteries it leaves open to interpretation. This film is a skillfully crafted piece of art that engages audiences at multiple levels, from laughing at the idiosyncrasies of the characters to pondering over the profound existential questions it subtly introduces.

In essence, Another One Opens is an unusual film that pushes the boundaries of the cinema genre, offering a unique take on the complexities of human nature and relationships while wrapped in the mysterious aesthetics of magical realism. It is an intriguing cinematic journey that leaves the audience contemplating long after the end credits roll. It's a highly recommendable experience for film lovers who appreciate originality, depth, and a dash of unpredictability.