Quite possibly the bleakest feel-good film I’ve ever seen. That said, I absolutely adored it. Amirpour delivered a fresh and unique take on the dystopian, alternate-reality genre that culminates in a wonderfully gripping and intense product. Gore is used sparingly but effectively. The sets were pretty remarkable and did wonders to add to that otherworldly hellscape vibe. Even the sound design seamlessly maintains the barren yet beautiful world through which the heroine, Arlen, navigates. Every member of the eclectic cast delivers an incredible performance, and together the characters weave an engrossing universe that linger long after the final credits roll.
