This was the opening film at this year's Melbourne International Film Festival.
I just saw it last night. Set in an Australian high school (in Adelaide), it threads the respective days of several high school students, interspersed with 'interview' footage (presumably with the school counsellor, but this isn't made clear). The film begins with what appears to be a suicide, although it's not clear who is involved, and the audience is kept guessing until the very end. 2:37 covers a plethora of teen issues, thereby hinting that any number of characters may have suicidal wishes. The film relies on this device for much of its suspense and gravitas. On the whole all of this is handled expertly by 22-year-old screenwriter / director Murali K Thalluri.
Critics have drawn comparisons with Gus Van Sant's Elephant (which I haven't seen). It's certainly harrowing and hard-hitting... in fact, maybe it went a little too far in trying to be hard-hitting, but this is excusable when one considers that Thalluri was inspired to make the film after witnessing the (filmed) suicide of one of his friends. And there's plenty to admire: great script, sound, cinematography. I'd recommend it.
Has anyone else seen it?
I just saw it last night. Set in an Australian high school (in Adelaide), it threads the respective days of several high school students, interspersed with 'interview' footage (presumably with the school counsellor, but this isn't made clear). The film begins with what appears to be a suicide, although it's not clear who is involved, and the audience is kept guessing until the very end. 2:37 covers a plethora of teen issues, thereby hinting that any number of characters may have suicidal wishes. The film relies on this device for much of its suspense and gravitas. On the whole all of this is handled expertly by 22-year-old screenwriter / director Murali K Thalluri.
Critics have drawn comparisons with Gus Van Sant's Elephant (which I haven't seen). It's certainly harrowing and hard-hitting... in fact, maybe it went a little too far in trying to be hard-hitting, but this is excusable when one considers that Thalluri was inspired to make the film after witnessing the (filmed) suicide of one of his friends. And there's plenty to admire: great script, sound, cinematography. I'd recommend it.
Has anyone else seen it?
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