High Life – Film Review

High Life is an intriguing and intense cinematic experience that commands your attention during every single moment, big and small. Directed by Claire Denis, this film is a bold foray into the realms of sci-fi, blending profound philosophical questions with a bleak and often disturbing narrative.

The story revolves around a group of death-row inmates sent on a seemingly hopeless mission to extract energy from a black hole. Led by Monte, played by Robert Pattinson, the crew faces a series of physical and psychological challenges that test the limits of human endurance and morality. The film grapples with themes of isolation, the nature of human existence, and the often futile quest for redemption.

What makes High Life stand out is its willingness to explore the darker sides of human nature. It doesn’t shy away from depicting the primal urges and the grotesque aspects of the human condition, making it both a challenging and thought-provoking watch. The narrative is non-linear, and the pacing is deliberately slow, which may frustrate some viewers but also adds to the film’s meditative quality. Denis uses this structure to gradually peel back layers of the characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and hidden motives.

Robert Pattinson delivers one of his most nuanced performances as Monte. His portrayal is understated yet powerful, capturing the loneliness and quiet desperation of his character with a raw, almost primal energy. Juliette Binoche, as the enigmatic and morally ambiguous Dr. Dibs, is equally compelling. Her character’s obsession with reproduction and the lengths she’s willing to go to achieve her goals provide some of the film’s most disturbing and memorable moments. It’s also amazing to see Mia Goth in any movie and this was no exception.

Denis and her cinematographer, Yorick Le Saux, create a haunting and claustrophobic atmosphere that perfectly complements the film’s themes. The spaceship, with its sterile and confined interiors, becomes a character in its own right, symbolizing both the physical and existential traps the characters find themselves in. The use of lighting and color is masterful, with cold, harsh tones dominating the ship’s interior scenes, contrasting sharply with the warmer, more organic hues of the film’s flashback sequences.

The scenes set in space are breathtaking, with the black hole serving as both a literal and metaphorical void, drawing the characters—and the audience—ever closer to the abyss. The visual effects are understated but effective, avoiding the flashy spectacle typical of many sci-fi films in favor of a more grounded and unsettling depiction of space.

The sound design is another strong point. The score by Stuart A. Staples is haunting and minimalistic, enhancing the film’s eerie atmosphere. The absence of sound in certain scenes, particularly those set in the vacuum of space, heightens the sense of isolation and impending doom. This is a film where silence speaks volumes, and the sparse dialogue adds to the overall sense of dread.

It is not without its flaws, though. The film’s slow pacing and fragmented narrative can make it feel disjointed at times, and some viewers may find it difficult to connect with the characters on an emotional level. The heavy use of symbolism and the abstract nature of some sequences may also alienate those looking for a more straightforward story. The film’s exploration of sexual violence and bodily functions is also deeply unsettling and may be off-putting to some.

Despite these issues, High Life remains a bold and original piece of cinema. It’s a film that challenges the viewer to think and feel deeply, even if it means confronting some uncomfortable truths about humanity. Claire Denis has crafted a work that is both beautiful and brutal, a meditation on life and death that lingers long after the credits roll.

High Life is a visually arresting and intellectually stimulating film that will likely divide audiences. It’s not an easy watch, but for those willing to immerse themselves in its world, it offers a unique and deeply affecting cinematic experience. The film’s exploration of existential themes, combined with strong performances and striking visuals, make it a must-see for fans of thought-provoking sci-fi, even if it’s not for everyone.