Film: Victoria

Filmed in one 134 minute take across 22 locations in Berlin, Victoria follows the eponymous character whose flirtation with a local man on a night out leads to a series of events that culminate in tragedy. To say any more would be unnecessary because Victoria isn’t about narrative, but rather about atmosphere. It’s a one take wonder, whose real time element transcends far beyond that of a cinematic gimmick. With Victoria, the restrictive boundaries of time and space are fractured, allowing us the chance to experience cinema in its rawest, most undiluted form. No longer a fly on the wall, this heightened sense of intimacy allows us to embody the physical camera, as though we are truly there with these characters. It’s sharp, exhilarating, and beautiful. With a heart-breaking, naturalistic performance by lead actress Laia Costa, and a pounding electronic score that pulls at the heartstrings from renowned musician Nils Frahm, it’s no wonder that Victoria has gathered such a wide range of accolades since its release last year.