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Our Souls at Night

Our Souls at Night (2017)

Sep 29, 2017 1h 41m Romance Drama

Addie Moore and Louis Waters, a widow and widower, have lived next to each other for years. The pair have almost no relationship, but that all changes when Addie tries to make a connection with her neighbour.

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Directed by Ritesh Batra

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Ritesh Batra
Writer
  • Kent Haruf
  • Scott Neustadter
  • Michael H. Weber
Producer
  • Finola Dwyer
  • Robert Redford
  • Erin Simms

Reviews

Reno
7/10

**Not about the first love! The other way around!**

This is one of my favourite genre, the tales about aging people. A rare kind. The lives, the struggle they go through, really melts my heart. So I won't miss such films. I have a long list of such films which are my favourites. And this is another fine one to add to it.

Superb casting. I could not miss Redford films of the recent. At this age, he's phenomenal. And Jane Fonda was equally great. Another Netflix's wonderful product directed by an Indian filmmaker. This was about two old guys, been single for a long time. Now trying to connect, with some effort, they develop an understanding relationship. But not everybody around is happy with it. They have to face them and keep it going. Afterall at this age what they have set to lose!

More like a real life event. There's no any twist, not like a surprising incident. Just beautiful, a kind of love tale. Obviously a little slow, but totally worth it. If you like drama films, this will be a treat to watch. Based on the book of the same name. My only issue was, the end was ordinary, though an acceptable one. Surely, the families, the middle aged members and above would enjoy it. One of the best films of the year.

_7/10_

Feb 4, 2018

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Our Souls at Night examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Ritesh Batra brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Our Souls at Night took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 101 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 151 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 6 weeks before filming began.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1478 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2017, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Our Souls at Night shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Ero in guerra ma non lo sapevo, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Our Souls at Night subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Loving Pablo and Porch Pirates explore similar territory, Our Souls at Night stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 29, 2017
  • Runtime: 1h 41m

Where to Watch

Netflix
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