Watched this at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Filmmaker Daniel Hoesl and Juliane Niemann clearly have an interesting satirical take on the rich class and while there are some good ideas, it feels underdeveloped and not as strong as the movie thinks it is.
Throughout, the production designs, camerawork and the color presentation is gorgeous and really beautiful as it helps capture the atmosphere and essence within the characters. The direction from Hoesl and Niemann, while slightly messy, have a clear vision to what style and atmosphere they are approaching towards. Many of the performances are solid with a few child performances being a little weak.
The narrative is a good concept but unfortunately, it does feel strong as it thinks it does because the narrative feels undeveloped with some of the themes and the characters don't feel as investing nor interesting to emotionally connect with. As if there were some good ideas that didn't really hit the potential it wants. There are certain moments that are shocking, edgy and pretty bizarre and I understand where the filmmakers are coming from and their vision. But it doesn't feel fully earned and the style feels way too similar towards something of Ruben Ostlund or Michael Haneke.
Overall, it isn't bad as there are some moments that I do appreciate. But it could have been stronger.
