Film Review – River (2023)
Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes was a true gem of a film. While low budget it was a film that had a unique vision and fun direction that I could not help but be enamoured by it. So, in a way heading into River made by the same team behind Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes, I had expectations. While they were not high, I was hoping for something really impressive. However, I feel it was safe to say that my expectations were surpassed.
Taking place in a Fujiya inn, our main lead Mikoto is standing by the river praying while on a break, she then returns to work helping clean up a room with a colleague however after 2 minutes Mikoto is back by the riverbank. It soon becomes clear that the whole inn is stuck in a two-minute loop. From there they must figure out why they are in the loop and how do they stop it.
The film embraces the 2-minute loop element of the story. Each loop is filmed in one continuous take. I truly believe this choice was utterly incredible. The one-take aspect for each loop has such a narrative purpose and never feels gimmicky or forced. In addition, I also loved that it does not take long for the characters to understand what is happening and it is more than the main character that is experiencing the loop. It allows the story the flourish and bloom in an utterly unique way. Seeing all the characters overcome their problems or say things they were too scared to say but the idea of being stuck in a time loop gave them the confidence to overcome their fears is truly heart-warming and engaging.
If you saw Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes you will see some recognisable faces in this film, and they are still utterly incredible. The cast is truly amazing. Riko Fujitani is utterly amazing as Mikoto. Seeing her run around in her kimono doing her best to help everyone who needs her is endearing and is so good because of how amazing Riko Fujitani is. Another standout in the cast is Munenori Nagano as the Head Clerk who I feel is great and his dialogue around his daughter’s new boyfriend feels genuine.
If I had to be critical of the film, I do feel the camera quality can noticeably reduce in quality at moments in the film and it does stand out like a sore thumb, especially in a very polished film. In addition, while the soundtrack is decent, I feel the music can at times feel a bit repetitive.
All in all, River is simply great. I’m glad I can say I own this film and I hope that more people check out this true gem of a film.
★★★★
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