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Moisture

With a bold and unnerving opening, Moisture immediately signals to its audience that this is no ordinary short film. The film begins by focusing on rats navigating a damp, suffocating environment—squeezing into tight spaces as they scramble to survive. As the camera gradually shifts to the eyes of the main character, Anne, a sense of unease settles in. It's a striking choice, one that establishes the film’s atmosphere while leaving viewers wondering what these creatures symbolize. This raw, disquieting opening sets the tone for the complex and ambiguous narrative that follows.

Anne, a doctor seemingly competent in her profession, is introduced with a reserved demeanour. There’s a sense that something weighs heavily on her. Her interactions with her secretary, who helps her maintain the rhythm of her appointments, suggest a reliance on routine as a way to stay grounded. Despite the routine’s comfort, there’s a subtle disconnect.

At just under 25 minutes, Moisture makes the most of its limited runtime by stretching each scene to its fullest. The camera often lingers, extending moments that might typically be cut short in conventional storytelling. This approach masterfully builds atmosphere and tension, immersing the audience in its world. The story’s open-ended nature invites interpretation, allowing viewers to engage with its mystery and discover their own meaning within its ambiguity. The visuals remain captivating—rain-soaked streets, sterile medical rooms, dimly lit corridors—but the narrative thread is often hard to grasp.

Director Duda Gorter demonstrates a remarkable talent for creating evocative imagery, with deliberate attention to colour and composition. Scenes set in a red hallway, paired with a grainy, almost dreamlike texture, stand out as moments of visual poetry. These carefully crafted visuals add a striking artistic dimension to the film, creating a mesmerizing experience. While the storytelling takes a more subtle approach, the stunning cinematography invites viewers to immerse themselves in the film’s artistry, offering a visually rich and thought-provoking journey.

The pacing takes a deliberate, meditative approach, allowing the audience to fully absorb the atmosphere and immerse themselves in Anne’s world. Lingering on everyday moments, like drinking tea or eating in silence, deepens the film’s sense of realism and introspection. These prolonged sequences encourage viewers to engage with the character’s emotional state, fostering a unique connection. By the time Anne reaches the sea in the closing moments—seemingly liberated and content—the film leaves the audience questioning the nature of her "freedom".

Moisture feels caught between a psychological character study and an experimental visual experience. Ambiguity can be a powerful tool, encouraging audiences to interpret and reflect in their own way. When carefully balanced, it adds depth and intrigue, making the experience more engaging and thought-provoking. The film leans heavily into uncertainty, leaving too much interpretation without providing enough insight into Anne's internal struggle.

Ultimately, Moisture offers a visually captivating experience, filled with moments of cinematic beauty. Its artistic approach invites viewers to engage with its imagery and interpret its meaning in their own way, making for a fascinating journey.