The Small Film Review: Ave Maryam (2018)

Casket showing scenes of romance, ca. 1320-40. Public domain. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Gems of the highest clarity exist even on Netflix. This Indonesian film directed by Ertanto Robby Soediskam is about Maryam, a religious sister who is no longer young but is nonetheless younger than the women around her, some of whom grow confused and need her help bathing. When a new pastor with a passion for music arrives, the mutual attraction threatens their vows of celibacy. A plot like that could turn out awful, but the camera keeps a respectful distance: You sit in the audience as scenes unfold before you, rare the close-up and nonexistent the gimmick. As loving but less voyeuristic than Wong Kar-Wai, Ave Maryam’s hush is punctuated by moments of intense emotion and striking beauty. Rating: 5/5

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J.P. Williams
J.P. Williams

Written by J.P. Williams

Writer and translator. Some scheduled posts may go up, but I'm barely here at the moment.

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