Review of The Tree (2010) by Abigail K — 02 Aug 2011
A time-is-a-healer movie, studying a process of growth and renewal, and while the result isn't entirely without truths, it makes for slow viewing: we're basically being asked to spot the kids' hair getting shaggy, the leaves turning brown, the house falling into a state of disrepair.
.. A certain earthiness keeps it grounded - a film of blocked drains and farts in the bath, it's full of those inconveniences that bubble up whenever we least need or expect them - and it's actually a more complete vehicle for a nervy and (up to a point) relatable Gainsbourg to work her way through the various stages of grief than was the cut-to-the-quick provocation of "Antichrist".
Perhaps a tad predictable in spots - Dawn's new boss (Marton Czokas) is all but an identikit hubby, right down to the length of his designer stubble - its disparate elements and influences nevertheless keep it weirdly distinctive: imagine "Three Colours Blue" done as a superior afternoon TV movie.
This review of The Tree (2010) was written by Abigail K on 02 August 2011.
The Tree has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
