Review: Vox Lux

This project began life on the festival circuit, and now several months later, this film is now making a theatrical release.

I had heard some interesting thoughts and views on this film. The general consensus seemed to be either one of the best films of the year or a thought provoking hot mess.

Now that I've seen it, I am more towards the latter. But I can definitely where both sides are coming from.

It opens up fairly well putting the foundations of its themes in place, which showed similarities to Gus Van Sant's cult-hit 'Elephant'. I was also seeing topical themes of how people become famous of being famous, and the extremes of being a celebrity.
The structure intrigued when it moved into its second half, and for me that's where I feel the film divide people. In the end, I admired it despite the execution not feeling seamless.

One reason for the parts of the second half that did work, was Natalie Portman. I've always loved Portman's work, and this is definitely one that would associate with a Oscar-winning performance. It has everything you expect in an award-winning performance. But sadly I think the small distribution the film is having, I feel it will go unnoticed.
Another actor that I am loving their work with, is youngster Raffey Cassidy. She stole the show for me in Tomorrowland: A World Beyond, was noticeably strong in The Killing Of A Scared Deer and does a great job in this in multiple roles.
Cassidy lays the ground work in the first half and supports Portman pretty well in the second. I would strongly keep an eye on her, and I see her a major star in the making.
While he may not have been on screen for long, I felt Jude Law's contribution had to get a mention as his characters motivation for me enhanced Portman to deliver her most memorable scenes.

There is certainly plenty of things going for it, but there are problems that prevents me from going nuts for it. It's shot really well, the themes is going for should be commended and its execution certainly made me think, the acting is very good on the whole and there is pretty memorable final scene. However, the transition from the first half to the second does make it detach itself as the tone manages to separate itself from one another despite trying to be part of one story.

A lot is to be admired here. But it does not quite come together. It's still worth watching if you're up for something different. Just be prepared to potentially be disappointed.

Rating: 7/10