Attenberg

Attenberg is a 2010 Greek drama film directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari. The movie revolves around a young woman named Marina (Ariane Labed) who lives with her terminally ill father (Vangelis Mourikis) in a small town called Aspra Spitia in Greece.

Marina is a peculiar and introspective character who is fascinated by the behavior of animals, particularly the mating rituals of snails, hence the name of the movie – a reference to the English naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough. She spends most of her time wandering the town and the surrounding wasteland, observing the people and the landscape around her.

At the start of the film, Marina's best friend Bella (Evangelia Randou) returns from a long trip abroad. The two girls have a somewhat peculiar friendship, characterized by playing games where they pretend to be animals or by exchanging kisses that are more of a social obligation than an expression of true affection.

Bella is much more worldly and experienced than Marina, and she is fascinated by the idea of sex, a concept that Marina hasn't fully comprehended yet. In contrast, Marina is quite repulsed by the idea of physical intimacy and even has negative reactions to kissing.

As the movie progresses, the relationship between Marina and her father becomes more strained, and she starts to spend more time with Bella, who encourages her to explore her sexuality. Bella introduces Marina to a man named Spyros (Yorgos Lanthimos), who is renovating her father's factory.

The relationship between Marina and Spyros is awkward and almost clinical, as they approach intimacy with the same distance and curiosity that Marina has for the behavior of animals. The scenes between Marina and Spyros are shot in a way that highlights their detachment and lack of emotional connection, with long static shots and minimal dialogue.

As Marina tries to figure out her feelings and her identity, she is forced to confront the reality of her father's illness, and she has to confront the idea of mortality that she has been avoiding. The last act of the movie is quite moving, as Marina tries to come to terms with her emotions and her future.

Attenberg is a slow-paced and deliberate movie that explores themes of sexuality, identity, and the human condition. The film has a distinctive atmosphere, with a desolate landscape and minimalist soundtrack that create a sense of isolation and loneliness. The performances are excellent, particularly Ariane Labed, who portrays Marina's detachment and curiosity with a quiet intensity.

The movie was praised by critics for its originality and its exploration of unconventional themes. Attenberg premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2010, where it received a warm reception and was awarded the Best Actress prize for Ariane Labed. The film was also selected as the Greek entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards.

In conclusion, Attenberg is a unique and thought-provoking film that rewards careful viewing and contemplation. While it might not appeal to everyone's taste, fans of indie cinema and experimental storytelling will find plenty to appreciate in this unconventional gem.