- Sensibility: Some odd decision making and some lacking preparation on the parts of the contestants make some of the film hard to swallow given how thought-provoking the film is conceptually.
- Cinematography: Has a lot of good, particularly with the end. However, visually the film feels timid, with a lot of repetition in shot making and not a lot of use of landscape variety. Costuming and production design are interesting but feel a bit odd given the circumstances at moments. Additionally some odd music choices cheapen some moments. That being said, the ending is visually stunning and is paired beautifully with lighting and score choices.
- Energy: Excellently paced roller-coaster ride. This film would barely get one warning for dropping below pace.
- Narrative: Incredible premise followed up by great, gritty execution. That being said, I think the film could have gone even darker. The lack of obvious hallucinations and extreme delerium felt like a clear option for visual and narrative fireworks that unfortunately goes unmentioned. The film has a shockingly nuanced message even with long diatribes on family, brotherhood, and power. It's deeply spiritual in just the right way.
- T-Points: The film received three bonus points: one for a speech where McVries says he'll "just sit down and die," one for a speech where "vengeance is not enough," and one for a great ending shot and metaphor.
Went in thinking this would be a Hunger Games derivative but was pleasantly surprised with a thought-provoking film about friendship, political resistance, and the human spirit.
Number of Watches: 2
