Get ready to dive into a film that's as smooth as glass and as impenetrable as a well-pruned rosebush. Empire's review of this mysterious movie will leave you questioning everything.
In the world of cinema, where family dramas often tug at our heartstrings, Rosebush Pruning takes a darker, more provocative turn. With a screenplay by Efthimis Filippou, known for his collaboration with Yorgos Lanthimos, this film promises a unique and unsettling experience.
The story revolves around a wealthy family, brought together by tragedy and torn apart by secrets. When Jack, the eldest brother, introduces his girlfriend Martha to the fold, the fragile balance of this dysfunctional family is tested. The film's setting in Catalonia adds an exotic twist to the familiar theme of family dynamics.
Director Karim Aïnouz skillfully navigates this thorny narrative, guided by a stellar cast. The violent death of their mother, played by Pamela Anderson, sets the tone for a film that explores the taboo and the forbidden. Jamie Bell as Jack and Tracy Letts as his socially aloof father anchor the story, while the talented Elle Fanning as Martha brings a fresh perspective to the family dynamic.
What makes Rosebush Pruning particularly fascinating is the exploration of the 'horny brood.' Callum Turner and Riley Keough shine as the middle brother Ed and the petulant sister Anna, respectively. Their characters, hovering on the periphery, offer a unique lens through which to view the family's inner workings.
However, the film's commitment to shock and opulence may leave viewers wanting more. The ensemble's vapidness, though entertaining, lacks depth. The script, despite its intriguing premise, fails to delve into the messy complexities that lie beneath the surface.
In my opinion, Rosebush Pruning's aesthetic glossiness, with its catwalk-ready costumes and alluring architecture, overshadows the story's potential. The film's attempt to be a dark comedy falls flat, leaving viewers with a sense of dissatisfaction.
Despite the rising body count and the promise of brutality, Rosebush Pruning fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion. The metaphorical rosebush remains impenetrable, leaving audiences with a sense of unease and a desire for more.
So, if you're seeking a film that challenges and provokes, Rosebush Pruning might just fit the bill. But be warned, this smooth and glossy exterior may hide a story that leaves you wanting more.
As they say, sometimes the most beautiful roses have the sharpest thorns.
