A Late Thaw (E) | Close-Up Film Review
The film cleverly and carefully explores the emotions of losing a loved one, particularly striking upon those that are repressed. Through brilliant writing, the audience is thoroughly immersed in Tara’s story, so much so that it’s hard not to feel the pain and emotion as she does. The film is a beautiful exploration of how grief can catch you off guard, and it wonderfully shows Tara’s struggle with the unexpectedness of this. To the uninformed viewer alone, this is an incredibly moving tale, but to those who are aware of the parallels of this story to Kim Barr’s own life, it certainly strikes a chord.
Not only is this short emotive, but it is visually stunning, particularly the ice sequences. The use of colours, the bright whites in contrast to the blacks and greys, is a brilliant representation of Tara’s inner turmoil. There’s also a soft focus to the scenes that really catches the eye and invites in the audience.
Marie (Tara) and Peric (Glenn) are particular stand outs. It feels as though both really embody the essence of their characters, whilst remaining sensitive to the subject matter.
Whilst there are a few imperfections – ironically it could be argued their home looks too perfect, staged rather than lived in – it’s ultimately a film with an emotionally haunting message, leaving a mark long after the final scene.
Review by Charlotte Birch