New Movies: Bluish (2024) by Milena Czernovsky, Lilith Kraxner: A Meditative Glimpse into Disoriented Youth

Core Summary: Drifting Through Urban Winter, Overlapping Lives

"Bluish" (2024), a film by Lilith Kraxner and Milena Czernovsky, offers a contemplative portrayal of two somewhat disoriented characters in their twenties, Errol and Sasha, as they aimlessly drift through the gloomy winter days of a city. The film casts a soft, observant gaze on fragments of their everyday lives, allowing people, stories, places, and realities to subtly overlap and intertwine. It delves less into linear plot and more into a fragile state of being, describing an atmosphere of ambiguity, longing, and the subtle emergence of desire within the liminal space of young adulthood.

Snapshot: Urban Drifters, Intertwined Realities, Ambiguous Longing

Two disoriented twenty-somethings navigate a city's gloomy winter, their aimless drifting revealing overlapping lives, subtle connections, and an atmosphere of quiet longing and ambiguity.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32874908/

Link Review:https://inreviewonline.com/2024/07/10/bluish/

About movie: https://squareeyesfilm.com/features/bluish/

Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/bluish, https://cinando.com/en/Film/bluish_516151/Detail#videos

Deep Dive: Unraveling Threads of Disorientation and Connection

"Bluish" (2024) is a meditative and experimental film directed by Lilith Kraxner and Milena Czernovsky. It focuses on the quotidian existence of two young women in their twenties, Errol and Sasha, who are both in a state of aimless drift.

• Non-Linear Narrative: The film eschews a traditional plot, instead presenting fragments of their daily lives, often with a sense of non-linear time where memories and moments emerge through a fog.

• Character Exploration: Errol, more introverted, gazes at the world in solitude, cautiously embarking on an online date. Sasha, a Russian émigré, appears keen on meeting people and networking within artistic circles. Despite their differences, they occupy a similar psychological landscape of transition.

• Atmosphere of Ambiguity and Longing: "Bluish" describes a "fragile state of being, a condition or rather an atmosphere of ambiguity and longing." The film aims to evoke desire as a "hidden protagonist," using a "specific sensitivity unique to queerness" to explore these themes.

• Observation of the Mundane: Directors Czernovsky and Kraxner meticulously observe the subtleties of daily life, transforming seemingly dull or ordinary moments into lasting impressions through attentive and matter-of-fact gestures.

• Liminal Space of Adulthood: The film is less about major plot developments and more about the characters' existence in the liminal space between adolescence and fully fledged adulthood, capturing their moods through gesture, look, and quiet reflection rather than extensive dialogue.

Director's Lens: Lilith Kraxner & Milena Czernovsky's Meditative Vision

Lilith Kraxner and Milena Czernovsky bring a distinctive, meditative, and experimental directorial style to "Bluish," expanding on their previous collaborations.

• Atmospheric Immersion: The directors excel at creating a palpable atmosphere, particularly with the cool, gloomy, wintry city setting. They use visual and auditory elements to immerse viewers in the characters' emotional states, creating a trance-like cinematic concept.

• Observational Storytelling: Czernovsky and Kraxner employ a precise, soft gaze on fragments of everyday life. Their approach emphasizes attentive observation, allowing stories, people, and realities to intertwine organically rather than through forced plot points. This leads to a film that is more about experiencing a mood or condition than following a conventional narrative arc.

• Exploration of Desire and Ambiguity: The directors deliberately use a "specific sensitivity of queerness" to allow desire to emerge as a central, albeit hidden, protagonist. They are interested in exploring the ambiguities of young adulthood, sexuality, and the search for connection without providing overt answers.

• Experimental Approach to Form: The film incorporates elements often seen in video art, with an interplay between analog (16mm film) and digital, and a deliberate, sometimes rough editing style that creates an inquiring attitude and moments of pause. The choice of a square aspect ratio, while often signifying confinement, is used here to allow characters to "dip in and out of the frame," suggesting a different kind of freedom.

Central Themes: Disorientation, Longing, Liminality, Queer Sensibility, and Urban Isolation

• Disorientation of Youth: The central theme revolves around characters in their twenties who are aimlessly drifting, embodying a sense of being somewhat lost or unmoored.

• Longing for Connection: Despite the quiet observation, there's an underlying current of desire and a search for connection that permeates the characters' experiences.

• Liminal Space: The film explores the "in-between" stage of life, the transition from teenagedom to full adulthood, characterized by ambiguity and uncertainty.

• Queer Sensitivity: The directors explicitly state their use of a "specific sensitivity of queerness" to explore desire and ambiguity, suggesting an implicit or explicit queer lens on the characters' experiences.

• Urban Isolation/Connection: The gloomy city setting highlights moments of both isolation and unexpected, subtle connections between individuals.

Why It Shines: A Promising Blend of Meditation and Emotion

• Intriguing Premise: A unique focus on the subtle, fragmented lives of disoriented youth, inviting a contemplative viewing experience.

• Strong Directors: Milena Czernovsky and Lilith Kraxner demonstrate a clear, distinct artistic vision for atmospheric and character-driven filmmaking.

• Compelling Performances: Leonie Bramberger (Errol) and Natasha Goncharova (Sasha) embody their characters' internal states with nuance and subtlety.

• Atmospheric Setting: The cool, wintry urban landscape contributes significantly to the film's mood and emotional fabric.

• Psychological Depth: Explores themes of longing, ambiguity, and the quiet unfolding of young adulthood with sensitivity and insight.

Critics Reception: Acclaimed for its Meditative and Experimental Qualities

"Bluish" has received significant critical acclaim, particularly at film festivals. It won the Grand Prix of the International Competition at FIDMarseille in 2024 and the BIEFF Award for Best Feature. Critics have noted:

• "Meditative, experimental sophomore film": Highlighting its art-house approach and departure from conventional narrative structures.

• "Trance-like cinematic concept": Praising its ability to immerse viewers in a specific mood and sensibility rather than a clear plot.

• "Sublime pursuit of connection and longing within the ordinary": Recognizing its success in finding depth and meaning in the seemingly mundane.

• "Generation Z cousin of Millennial mumblecore": Drawing parallels to a genre focused on intimate, conversational, and character-driven narratives, but with a stripped-away script emphasizing gesture and mood.

• "Freedom to do what they want, no matter how constrictive the world might sometimes be": Commending its hopeful underlying message despite the melancholy setting.

Audience Reactions: Eager Anticipation for a Gripping Mystery

Since its premiere and festival success, "Bluish" is generating interest among audiences who appreciate art-house and experimental cinema. Potential audiences for "Bluish" are likely to be:

• Fans of meditative, atmospheric films that prioritize mood and character over explicit plot.

• Viewers interested in contemporary explorations of youth, identity, and the search for connection.

• Those who appreciate films with a subtle queer sensibility and an emphasis on internal emotional landscapes.

• Audiences looking for independent international cinema that challenges traditional narrative structures.

• Individuals who are drawn to films that explore themes of ambiguity, longing, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

Box Office Performance: Independent Path with Festival Acclaim

As an independent Austrian film, "Bluish" is not expected to have a mainstream theatrical box office run comparable to major studio productions. Its commercial success and reach will primarily be driven by:

• Independent Production: As an independent film, its path will involve festival exposure to generate buzz and secure distribution deals for specialized markets.

• Festival Acclaim: Its Grand Prix win at FIDMarseille significantly boosts its profile, aiding in festival programming and potential art-house distribution.

• Niche Appeal: Its experimental and meditative nature targets a specific art-house and film festival audience rather than a broad commercial one.

• Targeted Release: A limited theatrical release in select art-house cinemas, followed by VOD and streaming distribution, is a likely strategy.

Production Notes: An Alliance of Proven Independent Talent

• Film Title: Bluish

• Written and Directed by: Lilith Kraxner, Milena Czernovsky

• Main Cast:

  • Leonie Bramberger as Errol

  • Natasha Goncharova as Sasha

• Genre: Drama, Experimental, Character Study

• Country of Production: Austria

• Language: German, English, Russian (with English subtitles)

• Producers: Lixi Frank, David Bohun

• Production Status: Released (Premiered at FIDMarseille 2024)

• Release Year: 2024

• Filming Locations: Vienna, Austria (implied by city setting)

Production Company: Collaborative Global Storytelling

Producer: PANAMA FILM (Austria) is credited as a production company for "Bluish." The involvement of established independent producers like Lixi Frank and David Bohun (via PANAMA FILM) signals a commitment to nurturing distinctive artistic voices in Austrian cinema. Independent productions often rely on a network of funding bodies and production companies to realize their vision, especially for films that lean towards experimental or art-house aesthetics.

Sales & Distribution: Early Stages for a Promising Independent Film

Sales/Distribution: Square Eyes is listed as handling sales for "Bluish." Square Eyes specializes in the international sales and festival distribution of art-house films, indicating a strategic approach to finding the right audience for the film. Its festival success will undoubtedly aid in securing further distribution deals across various territories, likely focusing on specialized VOD platforms and art-house cinema circuits.

Release Timeline: Awaiting Broader Digital and Theatrical Rollout

• Festival Premiere: FIDMarseille 2024 (Grand Prix Winner)

• Release Year: 2024 (initial festival premieres)

• Current Status: Released at festivals, awaiting broader international distribution.

• Production Start: March - June 2023 (22 shooting days)

Why See It: For a Taut, Intelligent Small-Town Mystery

If you are a fan of:

• Meditative and Atmospheric Films: Expect a quiet, immersive experience that prioritizes mood and sensory detail over traditional plot.

• Contemporary Indie Cinema: See a fresh, distinctive voice in European independent filmmaking.

• Nuanced Character Studies: Witness a sensitive portrayal of young adulthood, disorientation, and the search for connection.

• Experimental Storytelling: Appreciate a film that plays with narrative structure, time, and visual language.

• Exploring Queer Sensibility: Engage with a film that uses this lens to delve into themes of desire and ambiguity.

Why Watch: If You Value Smart, Character-Driven Suspense

If you're drawn to stories where:

• The everyday becomes profound: The film elevates mundane moments into significant emotional observations.

• Directors build atmosphere without relying on overt action: Czernovsky and Kraxner excel at creating a palpable mood and sense of quiet tension.

• You enjoy films that explore themes of identity and liminality: It delves into the uncertain space between adolescence and adulthood.

• You appreciate films that challenge conventional narrative: Its fragmented and observational style offers a unique cinematic experience.

• You seek a film that resonates with a quiet yearning for connection: The underlying theme of desire is powerfully, yet subtly, conveyed.

Movie Trend: Elevated Genre & The Return to Character-Driven Mysteries

"Bluish" aligns with the growing trend of Elevated Cinema and Experiential Films, often categorized within the broader art-house movement. This trend prioritizes sophisticated storytelling, psychological depth, and strong character development, often with an experimental approach to form and narrative. It fits within the focus on Observational Dramas that delve into the quotidian existence of characters, allowing for a deeper exploration of internal states and subtle human interactions, rather than external plot progression. The film also touches on the Exploration of Queer Identity and Desire within a nuanced, non-explicit framework.

Social Trend: Reckoning with Past Injustices & The Enduring Impact of Trauma

"Bluish" subtly taps into social trends related to the exploration of contemporary youth identity, mental well-being (or lack thereof), and the search for authentic connection in a disoriented world. The characters' aimless drifting and sense of ambiguity reflect a broader generational experience of navigating complex realities and finding purpose. The film's observational style allows audiences to project their own experiences onto these characters, fostering empathy for those in transitional phases of life. It also resonates with discussions about the quiet anxieties and unfulfilled longings that can exist beneath the surface of seemingly mundane lives.

Final Verdict: A Taut Exploration of Inescapable Pasts

"Bluish," the 2024 film by Milena Czernovsky and Lilith Kraxner, is a compelling and psychologically nuanced examination of disoriented youth navigating the subtle complexities of urban life. Premiering to critical acclaim at FIDMarseille, the film observes its characters, Errol and Sasha, through a series of fragmented everyday moments, allowing themes of longing, ambiguity, and the search for connection to emerge as the true protagonists. With its meditative atmosphere and distinctive directorial vision, "Bluish" offers a unique and resonant cinematic experience that delves into the fragile state of being in young adulthood, making it a significant entry in contemporary independent cinema.

Recommendations for Filmmakers: Mastering the Art of Intimate Suspense

• Integrate Character's Internal Journey with External Mystery: "Bluish" prioritizes the internal lives of its characters, allowing their psychological states to drive the film's atmosphere. Filmmakers should explore how a focus on a character's inner world, even in the absence of a strong external plot, can create a deeply engaging and resonant cinematic experience. This involves using subtle gestures, expressions, and environmental details to convey emotional landscapes.

• Leverage Small-Town Settings for Amplified Tension and Rich Backstories: While "Bluish" is set in a city, it creates a sense of intimate observation within that large environment. Directors can apply this principle by making large spaces feel contained through specific framing and focus, allowing for a concentrated exploration of character dynamics and mood. The film shows how the atmosphere itself can become a crucial element in conveying character states.

• Prioritize Nuanced Performance to Convey Hidden Depths: "Bluish" relies heavily on the subtle performances of its lead actors to convey disorientation and longing. Filmmakers should prioritize casting actors capable of embodying complex internal states through understated acting, allowing audiences to connect with the characters on an emotional level even without explicit dialogue. This focus allows for a deeper exploration of unspoken desires and ambiguities.

Recommendations for Movie Industry: Cultivating Smart Thrillers and Distinctive Voices

• Invest in High-Concept, Character-Driven Thrillers: "Bluish" showcases the artistic potential of films that prioritize atmosphere, character study, and experimental narrative over conventional plotting. The movie industry should continue to actively invest in films that push cinematic boundaries and offer unique, introspective experiences, recognizing their value for critical acclaim and niche audiences. These films contribute to the diversity and evolution of cinematic language.

• Champion Directors with a Proven Vision for Specific Genres: Milena Czernovsky and Lilith Kraxner have demonstrated a distinctive artistic voice with "Bluish," particularly in creating meditative and emotionally resonant character studies. The industry should consistently support directors who exhibit a clear artistic signature and a willingness to explore non-traditional storytelling approaches, enabling them to develop their unique craft. This fosters innovation and attracts audiences seeking original and compelling cinematic experiences.

• Strategically Develop and Market Talent Crossovers: While "Bluish" is not a "star vehicle," its success at festivals highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing emerging talents in independent cinema. The industry should strategically support and market films by directors and actors who bring fresh perspectives and unconventional storytelling approaches, helping them gain visibility and build a following among discerning audiences.

Final Conclusions: An Anticipated Deep Dive into Small-Town Shadows

"Bluish," the 2024 film by Milena Czernovsky and Lilith Kraxner, is a compelling and emotionally resonant examination of hidden truths and the inescapable past. Premiering to critical acclaim at FIDMarseille, the film observes its characters, Errol and Sasha, through a series of fragmented everyday moments, allowing themes of longing, ambiguity, and the search for connection to emerge as the true protagonists. With its meditative atmosphere and distinctive directorial vision, "Bluish" offers a unique and resonant cinematic experience that delves into the fragile state of being in young adulthood, making it a significant entry in contemporary independent cinema.