Film Review - Earwig (2021)

I avoid comparing movies or styles of movies to magnificent David Lynch; however this is defiantly one that would appeal to his admirers, I also wouldn’t be wrong in saying, Earwig was a slight struggle to finish, torment of a lethargic pace is real.

Based from a Brian Catling novel, I couldn’t imagine reading it and not falling asleep. There’s a lot and nothing happening in tandem.

Opening with a weird dentist routine collecting saliva from a young girl (probably around 9 years old) what seems father, daughter; may really be mentor, controller; of some kind of experiment or obscure human study inside a baron, stagnant apartment.

The man receives a phone call in a scene where the first dialogue is spoken 24 minutes in, asking on the well-being of the girl and to prepare her for a first journey beyond the front door.

Discovering the outside world is alarming at first including seeing a lake and hearing the sounds of trees for the first time. A strong sense of dread begins to elevate throughout on their journey to some unexplained place. There’re flashbacks permeated with potential flash forwards complicating narrative but at least keeping things somewhat interesting. Filmed in Belgium by acclaimed, cool director Lucile Hadzihalilovic, Earwig is ambiguous start to finish.

Effective acting is all about minimisation works for the leads Mia (Romanen Hemelaers) Albert (Paul Hilton) and particularly Celeste (an absolute compelling Romola Garai).

When you hear the phrase ‘Thank You Celeste‘, be ready for a highly dramatic, unsettling twist of fate. Purposely dark your stamina will be tested, also brief trigger warning for cat lovers.