New Movies: 99 Moons (2023) by Jan Gassmann: A Raw Exploration of Obsession and Desire
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 27
- 13 min read
Core Summary: Love's Unruly Journey
99 Moons is a 2023 Swiss drama directed by Jan Gassmann that delves into the tumultuous and obsessive relationship between Bigna, a highly controlled scientist, and Frank, a free-spirited party-goer. Their initial encounters are driven by raw sexual attraction and kinky role-play, but as their lives intertwine over "99 moons" (approximately eight years), their connection transforms into a profound, often destructive, bond that challenges conventional notions of love, intimacy, and commitment. The film is a bold and unvarnished look at how desire can mutate into obsession, blurring the lines between passion and self-destruction.
Snapshot: A Decade of Desire and Disarray
Over 99 months, an intense and unconventional love affair unfolds between a disciplined scientist and a bohemian party animal. Jan Gassmann's "99 Moons" is a raw, erotically charged drama exploring the boundaries of desire, control, and the messy reality of a relationship that defies all rules.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13149356/
About movie: https://m-appeal.com/catalogue/moons
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/99-moons (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/99-moons (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/99-moons (France), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/99-moons (Italy), https://www.justwatch.com/es/pelicula/99-moons (Spain), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/99-moons (Germany)
Deep Dive: An Obsessive Dance of Two Worlds
Bigna, a 28-year-old scientist specializing in tsunamis, is a woman of strict control, even in her erotic life, which often involves anonymous, rule-bound role-play. Her counterpart is 33-year-old Frank, a free-spirited individual who seeks meaning in a haze of drugs and thrives on the affection of others, often found in underground clubs and artificial paradises.
Their worlds collide in a series of initially purely physical encounters, marked by explicit and uninhibited sexuality. What begins as a kinky, no-strings-attached arrangement quickly evolves into something deeper and more complex as an unexpected attraction takes hold. Bigna, against her own structured nature, finds herself drawn to Frank, even foregoing a promising research trip to Chile to stay with him.
As their relationship progresses through "99 moons" – a period spanning approximately eight years – Gassmann charts their journey through meet-ups and abandonments, moments of intense connection, and periods of painful separation. The film meticulously explores how their initial desire mutates into a profound, almost obsessive, entanglement. They attempt to navigate traditional relationship paths, but these consistently lead to dead ends, as their unique connection resists conventional boundaries.
"99 Moons" delves into the power dynamics of their relationship, particularly how Bigna, initially in control of her desires and career, finds her convictions shaken. Frank, on the other hand, grapples with his own desires and the pull of a more settled life, often struggling with the subordinate role he willingly takes in their dynamic. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the raw, often uncomfortable, aspects of their intimacy, using bold sex scenes to challenge viewer expectations and explore the complex interplay between physical desire and emotional attachment.
The narrative questions societal norms surrounding heterosexual and monogamous relationships, asking if the inability to freely choose one's own rules is the source of ruin. Ultimately, "99 Moons" is a fearless and authentic exploration of a relationship that exists outside the lines, where love and self-destruction are intimately intertwined.
The Journey: From Erotic Encounter to Obsessive Bond
The Unlikely Meeting: Bigna, a controlled scientist with a secretive, rule-based erotic life, meets Frank, a hedonistic party-goer, through explicit, anonymous encounters. Both are accustomed to casual trysts, but an undeniable spark ignites between them.
Desire Takes Hold: Despite their vastly different worlds, Bigna and Frank find themselves drawn into an increasingly intense and passionate affair. Bigna, uncharacteristically, chooses to sacrifice career opportunities for this burgeoning connection.
The Evolution of a Relationship: Over "99 moons" (roughly eight years), their bond evolves through cycles of magnetic attraction, volatile arguments, separations, and magnetic reunions. They attempt to fit into conventional relationship molds, but their unique dynamic constantly pushes against these boundaries.
Power and Vulnerability: The film explores the shifting power dynamics, with Bigna often dictating the terms of their erotic encounters, while Frank grapples with his feelings and the desire for something more stable. Yet, both exhibit profound vulnerabilities.
Obsession and Self-Destruction: As their desire deepens, it veers into obsession, leading to moments of profound connection but also self-destructive patterns and emotional turmoil. They struggle to reconcile their individual needs with the consuming nature of their shared passion.
Challenging Norms: The narrative unflinchingly depicts explicit sexuality and drug use as it questions traditional notions of love, monogamy, and gender roles, particularly the idea of a "virile and all-conquering masculinity."
An Unconventional Love Story: The film concludes not with a neat resolution, but with a powerful reflection on the enduring, often painful, nature of their bond, leaving the audience to ponder the true meaning of connection and freedom.
Director's Lens: Unpacking Intimacy and Freedom
Jan Gassmann's directorial vision for "99 Moons" continues his exploration of intimacy and relationships, a theme he previously delved into with his documentary "Europe, She Loves" (2016). With "99 Moons," Gassmann shifts to fiction to offer a raw and unvarnished look at a single, complex relationship over an extended period.
Gassmann aims to challenge traditional concepts of love and partnership in contemporary society. He is deeply interested in the irrationality of love and the consequences that arise when individuals defy societal norms in their pursuit of connection. His approach is to create an "authentically erotic film" that doesn't shy away from bold sex scenes, viewing them as an honest exploration of the boundaries between emotional attachment and pure physical desire.
The director emphasizes that his movies are "never far away from me; I need to live what I'm writing," suggesting a deeply personal connection to the themes explored. He blends a documentary-like realism with a "hallucinatory and mythical atmosphere" enhanced by the cinematography and score, aiming to transport viewers into the characters' inner worlds. By presenting the story in chapters, marked by their "moons" of shared time, Gassmann underscores the long, evolving nature of their obsessive bond. He invites the audience to question their own preconceived notions about relationships and the constraints that society imposes on desire.
Central Themes: Desire, Control, and Unconventional Love
The Collision of Freedom and Control: A core theme is the tension between Bigna's disciplined and controlled life, even in her sex life, and Frank's uninhibited, free-spirited existence. Their relationship forces both to confront their established boundaries.
The Nature of Obsessive Desire: The film deeply explores how initial sexual attraction can evolve into a consuming, almost addictive, obsession, blurring the lines between love, lust, and psychological dependence.
Challenging Heteronormativity and Monogamy: "99 Moons" directly confronts traditional ideas of heterosexual and monogamous relationships. It questions whether prescribed societal rules for couples are inherently restrictive and potentially destructive for individuals whose desires and connections defy these norms.
Power Dynamics in Intimacy: The film delves into the shifting power dynamics within the relationship, particularly how Bigna asserts control through role-play and how Frank navigates his own desires within this framework.
The Body and the Heart: Gassmann explores the intricate relationship between physical intimacy and emotional connection. The explicit nature of the sex scenes serves to probe the boundaries between purely erotic experiences and deeper feelings of love and attachment.
Self-Discovery Through Relationships: Both Bigna and Frank undergo significant personal transformations throughout their "99 moons," challenging their individual value systems and forcing them to confront painful truths about themselves and their desires.
The Price of Unconventional Love: While celebrating the freedom of their unique bond, the film also acknowledges the emotional toll and potential for self-destruction that comes with a relationship that exists outside societal acceptance.
Why It Shines: Raw Honesty and Bold Filmmaking
Fearless and Authentic Performances: The film benefits immensely from the courageous and uninhibited performances of Valentina Di Pace as Bigna and Dominik Fellmann as Frank. Both are non-actors, bringing a raw, visceral authenticity to their roles, particularly in the film's explicit scenes.
Provocative and Thought-Provoking Narrative: "99 Moons" is not afraid to tackle uncomfortable truths about desire, control, and unconventional relationships. It provokes audiences to reflect on their own understanding of intimacy and societal norms.
Masterful Direction and Visuals: Jan Gassmann's direction is praised for its narrative mastery and ability to create a "hallucinatory and mythical atmosphere." The cinematography, often employing "Gaspar Noé-esque red light," contributes to the film's intense and immersive feel.
Unique Exploration of a Relationship: The film's decision to chronicle a relationship over "99 moons" (eight years) allows for a deep and nuanced exploration of its evolution, showing how desire can mutate and endure through various stages of life.
Timely and Relevant Questions: In a contemporary world grappling with evolving ideas of sexuality, gender, and relationships, the film's themes are highly resonant, offering a relevant commentary on the state of love and intimacy in the 2020s.
Awards & Acclaim: Festival Recognition
While "99 Moons" (also known as "99 Lune") did not receive a wide release in 2023, it garnered significant attention on the film festival circuit:
Cannes Film Festival (2022): Premiered in the ACID selection, indicating its recognition as a bold and independent cinematic voice.
Swiss Film Award (2023): Nominated for:
Best Actress (Valentina Di Pace)
Best Cinematography (Yunus Roy Imer)
Zurich Film Festival (2022): Official Selection, Special Screenings.
Edinburgh International Film Festival (2022): Official Selection.
Athens International Film Festival (2022): Official Selection.
Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bordeaux (2022): Official Selection.
São Paulo International Film Festival (2022): Official Selection.
Solothurn Film Festival (2023): Official Selection.
These nominations and selections at prestigious festivals highlight the film's artistic merit and its ability to provoke discussion and critical appreciation.
Critical Voices: A Daring and Unflinching Portrayal
"Daring" and "Authentically Erotic": Critics widely describe "99 Moons" as a "daring" and "authentically erotic film" that pushes boundaries. Its explicit nature is noted as integral to its exploration of the human body and desire, rather than gratuitous.
"Thought-Provoking": Reviewers praise the film for being "provocative but also thought-provoking," posing difficult questions about the nature of love, desire, and societal expectations. It's seen as a film that challenges viewers' comfort zones.
"Raw Approach to Intimacy": The film's "raw approach to contemporary questions of intimacy and commitment" is frequently highlighted. Critics appreciate how it portrays the messy, often uncomfortable, realities of a relationship that defies convention.
Debate on Character Sympathy: Some critics noted that the characters, Bigna and Frank, can be "quite unsympathetic" and "difficult to identify with" for some audiences, which may be a deliberate choice by Gassmann to focus on their pathologies rather than traditional relatability.
Exploration of Modern Relationships: The film is acknowledged for its attempt to "explore the state of love and sexuality in the 2020s," with some drawing parallels to other contemporary films dealing with complex relationships.
Strong Performances from Non-Actors: The performances by Valentina Di Pace and Dominik Fellmann, both non-actors, have been particularly lauded for their fearlessness and tangible realism, contributing significantly to the film's overall impact.
Audience Reactions: A Polarizing Yet Captivating Experience
Intense and Divisive: Initial audience reactions suggest "99 Moons" is a polarizing film. Its explicit content and unconventional narrative may not appeal to all, leading to strong reactions, both positive and negative.
Visceral Impact: Many viewers are likely to find the film a visceral experience, given its raw depiction of sexuality and emotional turmoil. It's a film that aims to be felt rather than simply observed.
Challenging but Engaging: For those open to its themes and artistic approach, the film is likely to be engaging and thought-provoking. It encourages introspection about personal boundaries, relationships, and societal norms.
Appreciation for Boldness: Audiences who connect with the film often praise its boldness and courage in portraying a relationship free from traditional cinematic constraints, appreciating its honesty and lack of judgment.
Limited Public Data: As an independent art-house film, widespread audience review data is limited (e.g., IMDb rating of 6.3 based on a small number of votes). This suggests its primary impact is within film festival circles and among audiences seeking challenging cinema.
Production Notes: An Intimate and Personal Project
"99 Moons" is a 2023 Swiss drama, marking Jan Gassmann's second fiction feature film. The project, produced by Zurich's Zodiac Pictures in collaboration with Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) and SRG SSR, entered post-production in late 2021. Gassmann, known for blending documentary and fiction, brings a personal touch to the film, stating that his movies are "never far away from me; I need to live what I'm writing." The production aimed for an authentic and intimate portrayal, with Yunus Roy Imer as the Director of Photography and Miriam Märk as the editor, both having previously collaborated with Gassmann on "Europe, She Loves." The film's raw aesthetic and explicit content suggest a deliberately small-scale, independent production approach, prioritizing artistic freedom and thematic depth over commercial considerations. An intimacy coordinator was also part of the crew, reflecting careful handling of sensitive scenes.
Production Companies:
Zodiac Pictures (Switzerland): The primary production company, leading the development and realization of the film.
Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) (Switzerland): Swiss public broadcasting company, providing co-production support, highlighting the film's cultural significance in Switzerland.
SRG SSR (Switzerland): The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, also involved in the production, further cementing its national importance.
Sales & Distribution:
Filmcoopi Zürich AG (Switzerland): Responsible for the film's theatrical release in German-speaking Switzerland.
La Vingt-Cinquième Heure (France): Handled the theatrical distribution in France.
Teodora Film (Italy): Distributed the film in Italian cinemas.
Strand Releasing (United States): Acquired distribution rights for the U.S., making it available on various platforms including DVD and VOD in 2023.
This distribution strategy highlights the film's focus on international art-house markets and a commitment to reaching audiences interested in challenging, independent cinema.
Release Timeline: Global Festival Circuit to Limited Theaters
"99 Moons" had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in the ACID section on May 20, 2022. Following its festival run in 2022 (including Edinburgh, Zurich, São Paulo, and Athens), it saw theatrical releases in:
Switzerland: January 12, 2023 (German-speaking regions)
France: May 10, 2023
Italy: June 29, 2023
United States: March 10, 2023 (limited theatrical and VOD through Strand Releasing)
This staggered release strategy allowed the film to build critical momentum through festivals before reaching a targeted audience in select cinemas and digital platforms
Why See It: A Fearless Dive into Modern Intimacy
Unflinching Honesty: If you appreciate films that confront the complexities of human relationships and sexuality without compromise, "99 Moons" offers a raw and authentic portrayal that defies societal norms.
Artistic Exploration of Desire: This isn't just a story; it's an immersive cinematic experience that uses bold visuals and narrative choices to explore the deep psychological and emotional landscape of desire, obsession, and commitment in a contemporary context.
Challenging Perspectives: The film will challenge your preconceived notions about love, gender roles, and what constitutes a "normal" relationship. It invites a dialogue about freedom, control, and the choices we make in pursuit of connection.
Powerful Performances: The lead actors deliver exceptionally brave and vulnerable performances, creating characters that, while perhaps not always sympathetic, feel incredibly real and deeply human in their struggles.
Why Watch: An Immersive Journey into Raw Connection
To Experience Bold Storytelling: If you're looking for cinema that pushes boundaries and explores themes with daring honesty, "99 Moons" delivers an intense and visceral viewing experience.
For an Unconventional Love Story: This film offers a unique perspective on love that goes beyond typical romantic tropes, delving into the addictive and sometimes destructive nature of profound attraction.
To Reflect on Personal Freedom: The film's central tension between control and freedom will provoke thought about individual autonomy in relationships and society's influence on personal choices.
To Witness Emerging Talent: Experience the impressive directorial vision of Jan Gassmann and the remarkable, raw performances from the lead actors, making it a noteworthy example of contemporary independent cinema.
Movie Trend: The Power of Unflinching Intimacy
"99 Moons" exemplifies the growing trend of "Unflinching Intimacy in Cinema." This trend sees filmmakers exploring the raw, often uncomfortable, realities of sexual and emotional relationships with explicit honesty, pushing past traditional cinematic taboos. These films use direct and unvarnished depictions of intimacy to delve into deeper psychological truths about desire, vulnerability, and the complex dynamics between individuals. They often feature naturalistic performances and a willingness to show the less glamorous, more challenging aspects of human connection, aiming for authenticity over idealization.
Social Trend: Redefining Relationships and Sexual Liberation
"99 Moons" directly engages with the contemporary social trend of "Redefining Relationships and Sexual Liberation." In an era where traditional relationship structures are being questioned and re-evaluated, the film explores non-conformist approaches to love, desire, and commitment. It reflects a societal shift towards greater openness about diverse sexual practices, fluid identities, and a critique of heteronormative and monogamous expectations. The film's characters embody a generation grappling with how to forge meaningful connections while prioritizing individual freedom and exploring unconventional forms of intimacy, contributing to broader cultural conversations about modern love and sexual expression.
Final Verdict: A Resounding Call for Authentic Connection
"99 Moons" is a bold, challenging, and undeniably powerful cinematic experience. Jan Gassmann's unflinching portrayal of an obsessive relationship dares to explore the messy, often uncomfortable, truths of desire, control, and the elusive nature of love in the 21st century. Through raw performances and an immersive visual style, the film pushes boundaries and demands introspection, leaving audiences to grapple with its provocative questions about human connection and the societal constructs that attempt to define it. It's a vital film for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of modern intimacy and the often-destructive path of authentic, untamed desire.
Filmmaker's Guide: Crafting Authentic and Emotionally Rich Stories
Embrace Unvarnished Realism: For filmmakers tackling challenging subjects, particularly intimacy, an unvarnished and authentic approach can yield powerful results. Don't shy away from depicting the messy, complex, and sometimes uncomfortable truths of human experience.
Prioritize Emotional Truth Over Traditional Narrative: Focus on the emotional journey and psychological states of characters, even if it means sacrificing conventional plot arcs or character likability. This can lead to a more profound and resonant exploration of themes.
Leverage Non-Professional Talent: As seen with Valentina Di Pace and Dominik Fellmann, working with non-actors can bring a unique rawness and authenticity to performances, especially in roles requiring intense vulnerability and explicit content.
Use Visuals to Enhance Psychological Depth: Explore how cinematography, lighting, and sound design can contribute to the internal world of characters and the overall atmosphere of the film, creating a "hallucinatory" or immersive experience that transcends simple realism.
Challenge Societal Norms with Purpose: If your film seeks to question societal conventions, ensure that this critique is deeply embedded in the narrative and character development, prompting genuine reflection rather than mere shock value.
Industry Insights: Championing Diverse and Meaningful Cinema
Support Bold, Independent Voices: The industry should continue to champion and fund films like "99 Moons" that, while not mainstream, offer crucial artistic and social commentary. These films push creative boundaries and contribute significantly to cinematic discourse.
Recognize the Value of Explicit Content When Purposeful: While navigating ratings and distribution, the industry should acknowledge that explicit content, when integral to a film's artistic vision and thematic exploration, can be vital for conveying complex truths about human sexuality and relationships.
Invest in Films Exploring Modern Relationships: As societal norms evolve, there is a growing audience for films that reflect the diverse and often unconventional realities of contemporary love and intimacy. This presents an opportunity for innovative storytelling.
Promote Festival Circuit Success: For independent films that thrive on critical acclaim and festival recognition, distributors and platforms should actively leverage these achievements to reach their target audiences, understanding that traditional box office metrics may not apply.
Encourage Intimacy Coordination: The presence of an intimacy coordinator in "99 Moons" highlights a growing best practice in the industry. Prioritizing the safety and comfort of actors in sensitive scenes is crucial and should be a standard in production.
Final Conclusions: Love's Boundless Odyssey
"99 Moons" is a courageous and deeply affecting film that offers an unflinching look at the messy, beautiful, and sometimes destructive journey of a unique connection. Jan Gassmann has crafted a work that dares to explore the boundaries of desire and commitment, pushing viewers to question their own perceptions of love and freedom. With its raw authenticity and powerful performances, "99 Moons" is not just a film about a relationship; it's a profound meditation on the complexities of human intimacy in a world constantly redefining its emotional landscape. It's an essential watch for those willing to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace the untamed aspects of the human heart.
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