Wood and Water

Wood and Water is a contemplative film from 2021 written and directed by Jonas Bak. In his lyrical debut feature, Bak weaves an evocative narrative grounded in quiet observations of people and places. The film stars Lena Ackermann, Anke Bak, and Theresa Bak, in an ensemble cast that shines in their roles despite the largely nonprofessional background.

At its core, Wood and Water is an exploration of the human connection with nature and the universal quest for self-discovery. The story revolves around Anke Bak, played by Anke Bak, a former church organist recently retired, living in a small town in Northern Germany. Lena Ackermann embodies the character of her daughter visiting from abroad. From the fragmented conversations and interactions, viewers trace the lingering emotions, unsaid words, and fragmented relationships within the family.

The first half of the film is situated in rural Germany, where Anke is seen living quietly amid the serene calm of the German landscape. The exquisite cinematography captures the picturesque locale, playing with the contrast of wood, water, stone, and sunshine. Bak’s subtle narrative technique enables the quietude on the screen to echo the stillness within the protagonist. Together, the imagery of the tranquil village life and Anke’s monotonous daily routine creates a soothing, meditative ambience, allowing viewers to absorb the sensory details and ruminate over their meanings.

As Anke starts to feel the quietude of her retirement unsettling, she decides to embark on a journey to Hong Kong to find her son, who she lost contact with. Her son's disappearance is an open-ended mystery around which the story revolves. Her ensuing journey marks the transition from the quaint calm of the German countryside to the bustling megacity.

The second half of the movie takes the audience to the vibrant and noisy landscapes of urban Hong Kong, a stark contrast to the subdued tones of the rural environment we left behind. Anke seeks her estranged son amid the neon-lit skyscrapers and narrow streets bustling with life. Various characters encountered on her journey across the city, including a French-speaking Buddhist played by Theresa Bak, enrich the narrative by tinges of humor, cultural insights, and poignant sentiments. The conversations seldom lead to revelations but rather reflect the complexity of human emotions and the mystery of connections we forge or lose over life.

Throughout Wood and Water, Bak uses a minimalist narrative approach. Both dialogue and music are employed sparingly, which only amplifies their impact when they arrive. The muted tranquillity is occasionally punctuated by rustic choir harmonies or the low drone of cityscape, forging an immersive soundtrack that lures the audience into the film’s contemplative headspace.

The performances in Wood and Water are subtle yet powerful. Lena Ackermann delivers a moving portrayal as the distant daughter, and the non-professional actress Anke Bak carries the film with her restrained but heart-touching performance. With her calming presence and thoughtful expressions, she beautifully captures the essence of a woman seeking answers, yet content with the peace and solitude her journey affords.

Visually, the film is a stunning work of art. Bak and director of photography, Christian Koss, have created a cinematic canvas of vistas and intricacies that capture every nuance of the contrasting yet harmonious landscapes. The thoughtful use of natural light emphasizes the human figures against the backdrop of the environment, which happens to be a character on its own, narrating a parallel story through its vivid stills and moving panoramas.

In conclusion, Wood and Water is a deeply introspective film that is not afraid to take its time and let the audience dwell in its moments. It doesn’t aim to provide clear answers to life’s mysteries, rather it revels in the journey undertaken to seek those answers. The understanding and acceptance of solitude, the exploration of human connections, and the silent dialogue between us and the environment form the essence of this immersive cinematic experience. It's an engaging watch for those who appreciate cinema that stirs thought and explores the depths of human emotions in a poetic, languid pace.