TIFF 2023 Film 9

"It was the best of times, so they say."

What a stunningly beautiful film. The fact that this is a debut feature for Ramata-Toulaye Sy just feels absurd. This is easily the best looking film I have watched so far, sorry Miyazaki. A story of wanting to choose love over tradition and expectations, but at what cost? This is what I came to this festival for, films like this. Something I would likely never get a chance to see, at least not in theaters. Wonderful performances for the two leads. The story is simple but it does have some depth to it, especially as we begin to discover more about Banel and the implications behind everything she has done to be with Adama. This gets as big of a recommend as I can give. One of my favorites from this week so far. Worth watching for the beautiful cinematography alone.