Presented in black and white and featuring stunning cinematography, Pawel Pawlikowski's Ida is a specific film that will resonate with a specific group of viewers. Beyond that, the story fails to garner much attention as it is unable to match mainstream expectation though its rich character study and underlying coming-of-age roots.
Featuring a pair of brilliant performances from Agata Kulesza and Agata Trzabuchowska, the film reaches great depth with its central characters. And while the film refuses to provide much simplicity, constantly forcing the audience to dissect both scenes and dialogue, its base approach is hard not to appreciate as nothing hides the raw emotion from those watching on.
The story, at its core, follows Anna (Kulesza), an orphan raised in a convent who is about to take her vowels. But before making the life long commitment she is sent to visit her only living relative Wanda. Quickly, her unknown past and all-but-sealed future collide, bringing about a sense of uncertainty that only muddies the waters that once were crystal clear. For the first time, she is experiencing life outside of the church's control and is free to make her own decisions.
Slow and a bit mundane, Ida isn't the easiest film to sit through. Bearing many stereotypical qualities of a foreign language film, it stays calm and secure, keeping both emotions and actions at bay as it enforcing an almost too authentic pace to real life. Each actor's movements all appear premeditated, serving a much larger purpose than originally meets the eye. It successfully keeps the mind engaged through even the most tedious of detailed scenes as you begin to wonder what life has in store for our protagonist.
The film relies heavily on its visual appeal and for good reason. Its black and white scheme gives it a unique feel, and the backdrop of 1960s Poland allows for a rare presence that, if you allow it, will suck you as you follow a young girl on a journey of self discovery. Combine that with some perfectly placed music and the scenes quickly begin to speak for themselves.
All that being said, Ida is a very particular film that requires a viewer who can appreciate the many qualities of a story. It isn't a film I'd say entertained me; however, it was one that I am glad that I saw. Its engaging story of personal conflict and uncertainty is one that is rarely done right. And though the film has its blunders, Pawlikowski most certainly crafted a film that is both thought-provoking and visually striking.
*Ida has been purchased by Music Box Films and will be released in 2014.
