By Design Review

This review is based on a screening at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The film, while visually stunning, ultimately falls short of its ambitious premise. The cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the landscape and the subtle nuances of the characters' expressions. However, the narrative feels disjointed, leaving the audience struggling to connect with the emotional core of the story. While the performances are commendable, the underdeveloped plot and pacing issues prevent the film from reaching its full potential. The ending, in particular, feels abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving many questions unanswered. Despite its technical merits, the film's weaknesses in storytelling overshadow its strengths.