MELANCHOLIA

Directed by controversial filmmaker Lars Von Trier, Melancholia is a two-act film that centres on the relationship between two sisters: manic depressive Justine (Kirstin Dunst) and the seemingly more grounded, caretaking Claire (Charlotte Gainsbourg) as a planet hurtles towards earth threatening the end of the world.

A visually arresting and fantastically surreal montage makes for a captivating opening. The film takes place on the sumptuous estate owned by Claire and her husband John (Kiefer Sutherland) and the bleak colour palette and sparse script create an odd and eerie calm. As the film moves from Claire’s dysfunctional wedding to Melancholia’s imminent arrival, the two sisters – both of whom give exceptional performances – unravel amidst the impending apocalypse.

Ultimately, Melancholia oscillates between challenging and boring, evocative and indulgent, intense and frustratingly banal. Whether these were deliberate artistic decisions or not, the film is undeniably affecting and leaves a strong imprint on the mind. (RH) ***