Import/Export (2007)
Seidl sure has a distinct style with a no filter neutral observer almost documentary style lense. While this has a narrative of sorts following two young people seeking new life opportunities in different countries, this felt more like a string of scenes than a whole narrative. Most scenes are really powerful in their own right, with most of them showing a bleak pessimistic view of a society where many people don’t see other people as human beings, but more like NPCs or objects. There is barely any empathy or compassion shown here, but when there is, it becomes much more impactful.
However, I barely felt any character development in this. I am sure Seidl intended for us to never really get to know or understand Olga or Pauli, they just happen to be the recurring character in the scenes, but their story isn’t the focus. Olga’s story had something to latch onto, whereas I felt the scenes with Pauli were mostly uninteresting.
Rating: 3.5