Upstream Color

Upstream Color is a mind-bending, ethereal movie directed by Shane Carruth that takes the viewer on a surreal journey through themes of identity, memory, and connection. It follows the story of Kris (played by Amy Seimetz), a woman who is abducted and implanted with a mysterious worm-like organism that alters her perception of reality and erases her memory of events. As a result, Kris loses her job, her money, and her relationships, and is left with nothing but a vague sense of unease and confusion.

The first half of the movie is an enigmatic puzzle of disjointed scenes that are difficult to decipher. It is only when Kris meets Jeff (played by Shane Carruth) that the pieces start to come together. Jeff has also been affected by the same organism, and together they try to unravel the mystery of what happened to them and why. They start to realize that their lives have become entangled in a larger, mysterious force that transcends time and space.

One of the most striking elements of the movie is its cinematography, which is often dream-like and abstract. Carruth employs various techniques such as slow-motion, extreme close-ups, and blurred imagery, to create a sense of disorientation and to emphasize the intangible nature of the emotions that the characters are experiencing. The imagery is enhanced by a haunting score by Jeff Grace, which adds an additional layer of otherworldly beauty to the film.

Upstream Color is a challenging yet rewarding movie that requires active engagement from the viewer. It is not a narrative-driven movie, but rather an exploration of philosophical concepts through the lens of science-fiction. Carruth's direction is confident and assured, and he masterfully weaves together multiple strands of symbolism and allegory into a cohesive whole. The movie is filled with rich visual metaphors that are open to interpretation, and it encourages the viewer to engage in active reflection and introspection.

The acting in the movie is understated yet effective. Amy Seimetz delivers a powerful performance as Kris, conveying the full range of emotions that her character experiences with nuance and subtlety. Frank Mosley also gives a strong performance as a character that Jeff encounters, and provides an important counterpoint to Kris's journey.

Ultimately, Upstream Color is a profound, deeply moving movie that lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled. It defies easy categorization, and its themes are both timeless and contemporary. It is a movie that rewards repeated viewings, as there are always new layers to uncover and new connections to be made. If you are looking for a thought-provoking, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant movie, then Upstream Color is not to be missed.