In 19th century Estonia, the peasants live with very little while the German rulers have riches. They have to worry about starvation, the plague, and the cold on top of the Devil, idle Kraats (automatons made of random items), magic spells, and the dead. November is unlike any film I’ve seen. Folklore, religion, and superstitions come to life and become just another annoyance in the peasants’ difficult lives. It’s filmed in icy black and white, enhancing the setting and mood. The music ranges from choral to orchestral with some electric guitars thrown in. The story centers around Hans and Liina who both have an unrequited love that they attempt to use magic to obtain. The familiar plot grounds the film that opposes expectations with beautiful imagery, eclectic music, and mundane magic.
November opens theatrically in New York City on February 23rd, and in Los Angeles on March 2nd.