Review of Anhedonia

Anhedonia (2019)
9/10
Pure character cinema
18 November 2019
Every year we hope that the Indie scene can keep thriving and challenging the constraints of the standard blockbuster. In a current climate where the hot debate seems to be the 'cinephile' Vs 'comic book lovers' (which would actually make for a great title in the MCU no?) it seems Anhedonia has come just at the right time.

The premise of the film should really give a hint to the viewer that this isn't a typical character study of a man discovering himself, although there are elements of that here, rather it focuses on the human spirit. Okay I know that sounds real cheesy and Richard Curtis is probably already reading this through an algorithm he checks daily but this film does a fantastic job of avoiding the cliches.

Everything has been plotted out to allow our character to go on a true arc, the obvious symbolism of the vast countryside are not too on the nose, rather it amplifies the characters grief and also the settings just look fantastic so why wouldn't you get in those amazing establishing shots. The only details missing are the whereabouts of each character, in building an ambitious plot/world the viewer can get lost in between scenes and yet this doesn't hold it back. In fact you could say that it just further pushes the tone (both filmic and in this case a literal musical tone) to the forefront.

Finally it's clear how much dedication, work and love has gone into creating this film. Just by the short rolling credits we gain an appreciation for how this is true indie cinema, no doubt full of favours and rather than relying on grandeur it's filmmakers have let the story unfold and with it a highly satisfying conclusion.
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