I watched this movie because I am a fan of Brit Marling and have enjoyed many of her previous projects--Another Earth, Sound of My Voice, The East, and The OA. She is a captivating actress and a talented writer. Unfortunately, this movie does not allow her--or anyone else, for that matter--to shine.
I don't have much to say about Posthumous. It is bland. It is derivative. The script is boring and offensively mediocre. The characters are crudely drawn, the dialogue often forced. The story is full of cliches. It is a film about characters who long to make an impact on the world and be understood, yet the film itself seems afraid to express a unique voice or take a single storytelling risk.
There is only one (!) somewhat memorable scene. In it, McKenzie (Marling) and Liam (Huston) spontaneously board a party boat in Berlin. McKenzie dances, gets drunk, and tries to coax bitter and withdrawn Liam to have some fun. Liam, bewitched by McKenzie, finally gives in. They both let down their guard and share a moment of genuine connection, briefly escaping the loneliness of their lives. It's a fun scene. The leads exude charisma and humanity. Posthumous should have given its actors more time to be playful, charming, and authentic; the result surely would have been a better, more engaging film.
Alas, as I watched Posthumous, I couldn't help but be reminded of better films. Nocturnal Animals, with its biting send-up of haughty, superficial art culture. The Before trilogy, with its two romantic leads meandering along European city streets, waxing philosophical about life and love. Another Earth, with Marling's intelligent and complicated protagonist, whose story of a Russian cosmonaut is one of cinemas most enchanting and memorable monologues.
There are many films out there deserving of time and attention. Regretfully, Posthumous is not one of them. Do yourself a favor: skip it, and spend your precious time elsewhere.
I don't have much to say about Posthumous. It is bland. It is derivative. The script is boring and offensively mediocre. The characters are crudely drawn, the dialogue often forced. The story is full of cliches. It is a film about characters who long to make an impact on the world and be understood, yet the film itself seems afraid to express a unique voice or take a single storytelling risk.
There is only one (!) somewhat memorable scene. In it, McKenzie (Marling) and Liam (Huston) spontaneously board a party boat in Berlin. McKenzie dances, gets drunk, and tries to coax bitter and withdrawn Liam to have some fun. Liam, bewitched by McKenzie, finally gives in. They both let down their guard and share a moment of genuine connection, briefly escaping the loneliness of their lives. It's a fun scene. The leads exude charisma and humanity. Posthumous should have given its actors more time to be playful, charming, and authentic; the result surely would have been a better, more engaging film.
Alas, as I watched Posthumous, I couldn't help but be reminded of better films. Nocturnal Animals, with its biting send-up of haughty, superficial art culture. The Before trilogy, with its two romantic leads meandering along European city streets, waxing philosophical about life and love. Another Earth, with Marling's intelligent and complicated protagonist, whose story of a Russian cosmonaut is one of cinemas most enchanting and memorable monologues.
There are many films out there deserving of time and attention. Regretfully, Posthumous is not one of them. Do yourself a favor: skip it, and spend your precious time elsewhere.