Reviews

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  ★★★½ review by nhinkle on Letterboxd

  The great artist Dave McKean turns in an intriguing, intimate and fantastical film about grief. Feels more like an art project then a fully realized film despite some fine performances. Definitely recommended for fans of McKean's work.

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  ★★★★½ review by Liam Dillon on Letterboxd

  I had the pleasure of seeing this at a one-off showing earlier this week accompanied by a Q&A session with creator/writer/director Dave McKean, who has been working on the film as finances allowed for the past seven years. The film is... difficult to decribe and at times difficult to watch, but I've seen it called a "dark and surreal exploration of grief", which I think sums it up nicely. The story follows two couples - three members of which were old art school friends - as they spend a long weekend at the home of one of the couples near the beach in a secluded part of Devon. Early on in the film it's revealed that the visiting couple had a personal tragedy that caused them to withdraw from the world and, over the course of the weekend, their grief is explored and unravelled. Much of the exploration of grief is portrayed through fantasy and visions illustrated in McKean's usual surreal style, and at times it becomes difficult to separate what is real and unreal.

  The performances from the cast were all very strong and I was particularly interested to see Stephanie Leonidas, who was excellent in her lead role in Dave McKean and Neil Gaiman's Mirrormask, playing the odd-one-out younger member of the group whose enthusiasm and optimism kept the film from descending into complete despair.

  Since seeing the film last Monday I've found myself thinking about it several times and wantingto see it again. Whilst it's not perfect, it's certainly beautiful and thoughtful and worth seeing on the big screen if it ever comes to your neighbourhood.

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  ★★★★ review by beckyspreston on Letterboxd

  A beautiful, dreamlike film. Not for everyone, but masterfully done. Utilising the small budget to create a close character drama, littered with psychological explorations detailed by Dave McKean's trademark surreality. It's a fine example of what independent film making should be and uses it's limited budget superbly.

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  ★★★★ review by Compassionist on Letterboxd

  Sweet fantasy film about loss and grief. Innovative and beautifully made. This is one to watch twice in a row.

  Like a fantasy version of The Big Chill.

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  ★★★½ review by Justine Smith on Letterboxd

  "Luna is, without a doubt, one of the most evocative cinematic works of the year. It is refreshingly original in both narrative and form, offering a hard-hitting exploration of grief. The film utilizes storytelling traditions that incorporate symbolism and mythology in order to explore the pitfalls of growing older and finally taking responsibility. The fantasy is neither easy nor whimsical and brings you on a journey through the subconscious world where you cannot escape what you’re hiding from."

  Read my full review: www.soundonsight.org/tiff-14-luna-is-a-dark-and-surreal-exploration-of-grief/

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