Vortex (2021)
Gaspar Noé doesn’t make pleasant films and this is no exception, but in a very different way than his other films. I probably fear dementia more than death, so parts of this film did get under my skin, just not quite as much as films like The Father or Amour. Noé takes it slow and uses a split screen to great effect. At least first, but I think it overstayed its welcome. The split works when they are apart, especially the very first scene where she wanders the store, but the effect becomes a distraction when the two cameras are right next to each other and the couple are in the same room. I can respect the choice of wanting to keep the style consistent throughout the entire film; its effect on me simply faded over time. In addition to the uncompromising portrayal of old age and illness, it also works great as a character portrait of two people not able to face the reality of their situation. The films length does weigh a bit heavy though.
Rating: 3.5