Nevrland

After 3 decent short film [including the exceptional Homophobia], Gregor Schmidinger - finally, after 7 years of silence - releases his debut feature. Where have you been Gregor?!?

It would seem that Herr Schmidinger has spent his time wisely...for, Nevrland is a debut to be proud of...if only all debut features were this good!

With...whiffs of Fassbinder, the finest of framing and inspired composition, an ear-tingling soundscape, cinematography that could grace the walls of any prestigious gallery...Nevrland is the nightmare that dreams are made of...

At the centre is Jakob, played [beautifully] with a vulnerable detachment by Simon Frühwirth...his dialogue is minimal...but, the emotion is a giant on whose shoulders he does not stand. He is alone...in need of care and cradling, support and succour...and, as he gently draws you in, all those protective instincts [deep within you] start to spark and spit.

Not only is it mesmerising to watch, it's utterly immersive and unavoidably involving. This is a painstaking and painful character study...one [memorable albeit brief] scene, with his father...it's just a look of hope and hopelessness combined. His father knows what his son needs...yet, is unable to reach out and touch and feel and cradle. Such detail, such art.

Nevrland is art. And, as all great works of art should do...it challenges. Edvard Munch's Scream is a silent but visual terror. Is he screaming...or, hearing a scream? Whether it be inside his head or not...he is Jakob. This is art.

Stunning.

Trailer...

Nevrland (Trailer international) from Salzgeber & Co. Medien GmbH on Vimeo.