Time of the Wolf (2003)
A Michael Haneke film never fails to leave a lasting impression. His films always hits me deeper than most other directors, and while they are all amazing his films are also the sort of horrifying experiences that I don’t feel like rewatching. This post-apocalyptic scenario hits too close to home and stabs right into my underlying fear of what would happen if my carefree privilege way of life disappeared in a scenario that frighteningly seems less unrealistic in the current geopolitical climate.
The film doesn’t provide any background on what the cataclysmic event is, but it is not really needed as we see the consequences and what it does to regular people. Families willing to kill other families to protect their own, desperate mothers offering sexual favors for a little water and kids sacrificing themselves to not be a burden. Everyone here is way past their breaking point as people cling to a small hope that tomorrow will be better if they just keep moving.
In usual Haneke fashion all the despair and misery are portrayed without any music or emotionally manipulative tricks, making room for the viewers thoughts and emotions. Haneke is a true master at what he does, but I will probably need a few months before seeing the next one.
Rating: 5