Beyond The One and Strangely Ordinary This Devotion are two works of art with major texture and substance. Paired together as a double bill (both films clock in at under an hour), they explore concepts of love, relationships, and intimacy in powerfully poetic ways.
The Wavelengths program is the festival’s most forward thinking series, and the inclusion of these two films proves why; pushing the boundaries of the medium in memorable directions.
Anna Marziano, director of Beyond The One, gives flat images deep meaning when she shows a photo of a couple being torn apart. It is later put back together, only for it to never look the same again. She frames the film around this image – constantly trying to piece it together as more stories about love and loss are added to the mix. Marziano tracks down people from all over the world to reflect on their relationship experiences – effectively showing that many of the emotions portrayed are universally felt.
Strangely Ordinary This Devotion, directed by the duo of Dani Leventhal and Sheilah Wilson, is an explosive and jarring adventure. Shot up and close and personal, Leventhal and Wilson gift the viewer with abundant metaphorical imagery of little explanation. It is up to the viewer to make the connections. However, if you want to perform thought on any of this, be sure to cut the fear out first.
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Beyond The One and Strangely Ordinary This Devotion premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday September 8, 2017. Information about the films can be found on the festival website, here.
