TIFF 2017 Review: Occidental



"Occidental", directed by artist Neïl Beloufa, is a strange, suspenseful and engaging piece of retro-style cinema. Shooting in a 4:3 aspect ratio with a decidedly theatrical approach to the film's setting and look, "Occidental" gives off vibes of early Jean Luc-Godard and other New Wave filmmakers. The plot revolves around two maybe-gay, maybe-Italian lovers who book a room at the Hotel Occidental amidst rioting on the streets outside. The manager of the hotel is instantly suspicious and prejudiced towards the couple, but there is more than meets the eye to the various players in the story.

I instantly fell in love with the look of the film, and much of the narrative proceedings kept me engaged throughout, but it was not wrapped out in a fully satisfying fashion. Not all questions needed to be answered and I still enjoyed the mysterious atmosphere the film kept, but I wasn't quite given much in narrative payoff by the time the credits rolled.

The film's pacing is of a slower burn, but it feels steady and the film doesn't overstay it's welcome at a tight runtime of 73 minutes. While the film may not be for everyone, I think I made a solid pick for my sole Wavelengths outing this year.

7/10

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