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Read our review of Piero Messina’s latest film, Another End, which explores the themes of grief and memory in a near-future world where technology allows us to bring back our departed loved ones. Gael Garcia Bernal and Renate Reinsve deliver captivating performances in this thought-provoking sci-fi tale.
Berlin 2024: Another End Movie Review – Departed Loved Ones Reanimated in a Derivative Sci-Fi Story Illuminated by Gael Garcia Bernal and Renate Reinsve
Piero Messina’s latest film, Another End, premiered in competition at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival. Set in the near future, this tale of grief and memory begins with a clever play on words. The film’s title, Another End, spells out the words ‘Not here,’ which perfectly encapsulates its central theme – loved ones who are gone but not forgotten. In this sci-fi-tinged world, technology has advanced to the point where we can say our goodbyes even after our nearest and dearest have passed away.
( Credit to: Scmp )
The film introduces us to Sal, played by Gael García Bernal, a grieving widower who blames himself for his wife Zoe’s death in a car accident. With the help of his sister, played by Bérénice Bejo, who conveniently works for the company behind this innovation, Sal brings his spouse back to life. The surrogate host for Zoe’s memories is Ava, portrayed by Renate Reinsve, who captivates Sal as their connection deepens. However, before this can happen, there is a ‘reawakening’ process where Zoe’s memories are implanted into Ava, including a peculiar charade that recreates the moment she was rushed to the hospital.
( Credit to: Scmp )
Messina, known for his film L’attesa (2015), co-writes Another End with Valentina Gaddi, Sebastiano Melloni, and Giacomo Bendotti. He seems to revel in the theatricality of the concept, reminiscent of films like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which also explores the intersection of science and memory. However, Another End gets bogged down in the technicalities, with jargon like ‘synchronisation’ and ‘dream residue’ cluttering the script. It fails to fully explore the emotional implications of reanimating a loved one in this temporary manner.
Nevertheless, Messina’s direction provides a visually stimulating experience, as he frames his protagonists with a cool sense of detachment. Gael García Bernal and Renate Reinsve are both appealing presences, both aesthetically and in their performances. Olivia Williams, who plays Sal’s upstairs neighbor and another user of the ‘Another End’ technology, adds emotional depth to the film.
While the film may feel somewhat familiar and derivative in its ideas, it offers a controlled and cohesive exploration of how humans struggle to let go. Another End provides a thought-provoking examination of grief and memory in a world where technology blurs the lines between life and death.
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