Many great films confound and delight, but barely convey their message in two hours. So how has director Jasmin Tenucci managed to make August Sky – a film bursting with new ideas – in a mere 16 minutes? One guess is that Tenucci is an alchemist. She melds sci-fi ideas, religious fervour, freaky visuals and a compelling lead into a work of art.
Livia Lagatto plays a nurse, Lucia. Heavily pregnant, Lucia tries to continue her usual activities. Then the sky permanently darkens, drenched in burnt sienna. Strange portents come from above, birds die and fires rage. Lucia’s family and friends wonder if Armageddon is nigh. They cling to the solidarity of the local church group. But Lucia’s real trial comes from within. Everyone she meets defines her by the prominent bump. Lucia walks alone. She is selfless, helpful and kind, but isolated at every turn. Is her fatherless child akin to another alien encounter?
August Sky is a riveting and confounding experience, asking questions about the destabilising effect of pregnancy on a woman’s life and psyche. Tenucci captures the uncertainty of the times we live in by investigating fear of the unknown on a large and small scale.
The viewer begins to question the meaning of smoking half a cigarette or church songs with the same passion as a sky aflame. Lagatto is also a real talent who commands our attention throughout. In the end, August Sky refuses to answer the questions and leaves us wanting more. This is impactful and exciting filmmaking.
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