The Square (R) 105 minutes A-
Lovers attempt to take the money and burn
Starring David Roberts, Claire van der Bloom , Anthony Hayes, and Joel Edgerton
The Square is simply the best film I’ve seen in 2010 so far. Directed by Australian stuntman turned filmmaker Nash Edgerton (his first feature), the film rivals the mood and humor of a Coen Brothers flick. Yet I was most impressed by the genuine nature of Edgerton's characters; humanistically peculiar, lonely and desperate. Half way through the film I found myself on the edge of my seat with bated breath as the drama thickened and lives unraveled.
Raymond (David Roberts), a married construction supervisor, is having an affair with his neighbor Carla (Claire van der Boom), a much younger (married) hairdresser. The pair orchestrates a plan to steal a bag of loot from Clara’s thuggish husband, set her home ablaze and disappear without a trace. Naturally the plan hits a few snags and before long the audience is taken on a thrill ride of oohs and aahs accompanied by a few deadly twists and turns.
This is outstanding film noir despite the rapid fire coincidences that eventually pile up near the end. The film's crescendo is a little absurd bordering on comical but satisfying nonetheless. It’s also important to note that in many theaters this film is precluded by Edgerton’s superb short film called Spider - it too is outstanding!
I saw The Square weeks ago and by now it might be hard to find at a theater near you, but seek it out or watch for it on DVD. Some general audiences may not dig it as much as I did but for everyone else it’s well worth the price of admission.
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