The Wait (I) (2013) User Reviews

An island chain of awkward moments caught on film.

[suite92 · 4/10 · 9 March 2014]

The picture opens just after the death of the mother of sisters Angela and Emma. Someone calls Emma and tells her the mother will return. Emma tells this to Angela who laughs in spite of her overall sadness.

The sisters are a bit slow getting officials in to look at the body. Karen (Emma's daughter) is a bit weirded out by everything. Then again, so is Angela. Her off and on budding romance with Ben is interrupted now and then with her dealing with the death.

Angela's semi-meltdown when Henry (Emma's ex) wants to see his mother in law was rather awkward. No one had bothered to tell Henry about the death.

Spoiler alert: there is no resolution to anything. The best is not ahead in the film; instead the best moment was the golden second before the film started.

-----Scores-----

Cinematography: 9/10 Some great camera work to be sure, from the technical standpoint.

Sound: 5/10 Irritating and discordant, more or less like all the inner versus outer performance art pieces that comprise the film.

Acting: 2/10 Roughly speaking, every other performance I've seen from Chloe Sevigny was better than this one. All the other performances (except, perhaps, that of Luke Grimes) seemed to be of the form 'hit your mark, say your lines, do not think.' Actors should do a bit better than this.

Screenplay: 2/10 The interleaving the narrative with footage of firemen doing their best to contain a huge forest fire was interesting to a point. The characters in the film are not touched by it--unless they go looking for it, and most do not--but all this real destruction is nearby. These entitled, upper class twits don't seem to see themselves losing ground (burning up inside) while their outer lives seem fine. That's great from a 20 year old film student, but I could do without it in a motion picture that has been released. The manipulative camera techniques were not all that helpful or interesting or novel; I don't feel that they advanced the narrative or the overall impact of the story. Overall, the picture seemed like visiting an archipelago from a cruise ship. Each island is less interesting than the last, and there is no particular coherence to the experience as a whole.

What was that, a film class project?

[harbhippo · 1/10 · 31 March 2014]

This is the first time I have been moved to write a review immediately after seeing a film. "The Wait" is well-titled, because I kept waiting for this thing to get to the point - any point. Other reviewers are seeing artful imagery. I'm seeing self-indulgent clichés. We see film shot out of a car, from the side window, as the scenery flies by too fast to make out. We hear dialog delivered with unneeded, meaningless pauses that seem to be there just to slow things down even more than they already were. We see a tantrum of a phone conversation that makes no sense whatsoever, never explained, and not contributing to the plot, such as it is. Or isn't. Finally, the credits rolled, and I sat there for a moment, wondering what in the world was the point?

So there's the spoiler, folks. Nothing. Happens. I can almost hear the makers of this film laughing "made ya look!"

Huh?

[gmrheart · 2/10 · 17 September 2014]

This movie started out really good. Then it just got so confusing and didn't make a lot of sense. For example, who called her on the phone? Was it just her brother playing a trick on her? I couldn't tell. And what was up with the time capsule? And who was at the door at the end? As good an actress as chloe is, even her facial expressions were very confusing. And why did she seem so confused when jenna finally "saw the light" and thought her mom was going to return? Why? She was the one who got her to believe it in the first place? And did the puppy die? And since her daughter was with her when she bought it, how did she not know her mom had a puppy in a box? Just too many questions. Too many loose ends to make any sense.

characters poorly developed, illogical behaviors just descend into mania

[lamu9-1 · 1/10 · 14 April 2014]

The writers, director and actors collectively are so far in their heads with in depth 'intellectualism" and over thinking the story that their heads are up their bums and they can't see the trees for the forest. Unfortunately, this descent into mania will suck out and never return 1 hour and 45 minutes of your lifespan. A time which you will deeply regret. You simply want to write letters to all persons involved in the making of this production to rectify the loss of your time and money spent so poorly on this 'creative' endeavor. You will want to ask "And the point was, what exactly?" It's not even a poignant look at the way people react to death. It had that opportunity, but spoiled it with excessive and random acts of silliness, illogical conversations and odd human pairings.

"The Wait" does NOT represent Oregon: I spent the whole movie, well, waiting for a plot

[lee_eisenberg · 1/10 · 17 March 2014]

I knew nothing about "The Wait" when I started watching it. Since I knew that it stars Chloë Sevigny, I assumed that I might like it. Boy was I wrong! The movie has NO plot. It claims to be about some young women who keep their mother in the house after she dies, believing that her soul will stay home, but NOTHING happens in the movie. Once again, a movie filmed in Oregon proves to be a complete embarrassment for the Beaver State: "The Postman" and "Men of Honor" are other examples (I never saw either of those but heard that they were terrible). And then there's the musical that they didn't film in Oregon but it takes place in Oregon: "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers". That one has as much to do with Oregon as any Kardashian has to do with talent. When I reviewed in on IMDb, I took the time to mention "Django Unchained", just to trash "7Bf7B".

In conclusion, this is especially an embarrassment for Chloë Sevigny since she's appeared on "Portlandia", a realistic representation of the City of Roses. It's also an embarrassment for Michael O'Keefe (of "Caddyshack" fame). I don't know who M. Blash is, but he's going to have a make a REALLY good movie to make up for this.

Gorgeous to look at, difficult to comprehend

[naq-1 · 8/10 · 20 February 2014]

A talented newcomer on the scene has utilized the language of film to demonstrate a sophisticated and engrossing portrait of a family falling into dysfunction, yet struggling to hold themselves together. Unable to deal with the passing of her mother, a young woman named Emma, hears a voice on the phone telling her to wait, "they will return." Of course, this is something that she interprets as a sign that her mother will return from the dead. Why not? It seems perfectly reasonable.

Oddly enough, her sister Angela, incredulous at first, reluctantly goes along with the fantasy. That starts the mystery -- why would two such upper class twits allow themselves to believe in this modern fairy tale? Once you buy the concept, and are willing to suspend your disbelief, you become lulled in by the sumptuous images, the endless wandering through the woods, and odd behavior by otherwise normal people.

The cinematography is outstanding for a low-budget project such as this, with stunning shots of a wildfire (apparently it was shot sometime during a massive fire in Oregon), and the shots of the planes flying over, dropping long clouds of pinkish fire retardant are strangely beautiful.

Chloe Sevigny as Emma performs exactly as expected, she sells the idea wholeheartedly. Jena Malone, as the sister supposedly with her head together, is less believable, but does manage to convey the baffling contrast between someone who doesn't for a moment believe in the idea of resurrection, yet is willing to give in for the sake of keeping her sister happy. She develops an outside interest in a man-boy named Ben, who has a poet's soul, but who cannot seem to penetrate whatever barriers she has constructed (we never find out exactly why).

There are a couple of minor subplots, one of which involves a younger brother and one of the other neighbor boys, but it is given short shrift and then tossed on the back burner, which is a shame, since it would have added some much needed interest outside of the two main characters.

There is also some professional work done by a young girl named Lana Green, who has a small but dynamic role as Emma's daughter, and should be a leading actress in another 10 years.

Overall, a few plot lines get lost, and some of the lines make no sense whatsoever, but the beautiful shots more than make up for the shortcomings.

the strange language of grief

[vanessakoors · 9/10 · 4 September 2015]

I watched this film a couple days ago and can't stop thinking about it. I generally like movies about altered states and know many people might not. At times the film feels literally timeless, evoking a complex ambiguity that must rest somewhere on the spectrum of grief (I think about 'the year of magical thinking' by Joan Didion). It's perfectly beautiful despite being awkward and stilted at times. The story is mildly confusing or maybe not - I don't know! But the sisters opposing points of view held my interest and plot holes seemed beside the point. The natural and sincere performances are gilded by a stylized world –it's almost like someone's saying death doesn't exist, which in some ways is more terrifying than death itself. Also: Chloe Sevigny has a daughter in the film that eerily looks like her, Luke Grimes is fun to look at and I loved loved seeing Jena Malone give it to her ex over the phone.

'The Wait' – Haunting, Elliptical Drama

[stgodwin34 · 9/10 · 24 October 2014]

I found this film to be a very compelling work on the process of mourning. Seeing Blash's film 'Lying' after 'The Wait' enriched my understanding of it: 'The Wait' continues his exploration of dramatic themes from 'Lying', in particular about interpersonal faith and trust. Jena Malone's performance is particularly striking – the subtle crumbling of her rationality as she allows herself to fall in love – there is something unbelievable, yet very true about her manic, moment to moment emotional changes. Sure, it's not a perfect film, but it rewards the patience and attention given to it.

9/10

Enchanting Though Warning: Vague

[samkan · 8/10 · 19 March 2014]

For starters, Sevigny and Malone look more like sisters than many actual sisters, adding more affect than one might expect. The introduction to THE WAIT is great, it's subtle yet captivating and anyone who's gone through the experience of a like death (usually the big "C" involving a parent or grandparent) will immediately pick up on the chilling vibe. From there we begin a trip with the three bereaving children, beautifully encased in a gorgeous Oregon setting that is alternately threatening, benign, active and sterile. Sevigny does her usual wonderful turn, herein as sort of a passive-aggressive sister. Was unfamiliar with Malone, who steals the show. Young brother also engrossing. On one hand, captivating this film is!; i.e., to the point that the viewer (certainly THIS viewer) may become indifferent to whether the major plot item - mom's dead! - is even resolved. On this thought I was almost disappointed at the head scratching, curious attempt at resolution at the very end. Yes there are plot lines and characters aplenty completely untreated when the credits begin to roll. But the virtual submersion into THE WAITS' atmosphere leads me to recommend a watching. PS/The comparison to a David Lynch film; e.g., both the ambiguity and the TWIN PEAKS setting, comes to mind, though those put off by Lynch's strangeness, violence, etc., need not fear herein.

The Wait, For Me, Was Well Worth It! A Hauntingly Beautiful Gem!

[brent0509-933-777627 · 10/10 · 26 February 2014]

I am highly confused by the Critics and scathing Audience reviews. This was a solid "A", for me, and a very well made film, with brilliantly acted characters, most especially, Jena Malone and Chloë Sevigny. Yes, this is not a movie for all but what movie is? It is a rather chilly, dark, lovely, and hypnotic piece of work and had quite a few unexpected scenes that were unfolding in front of me and kept me completely interested and invested in the characters in the film. If you like a Dramatic film, with a side of Psychological Semi-Thriller/Chiller, give this film a chance. I don't understand how most people who wrote reviews for this movie didn't get or understand it, as it was very clear to me and it also leaves you with quite a few possibilities on how you (the viewer) can leave to your own devices.

The main plot is about three Siblings, who have lost their Mother, and how they, individually, cope and grieve shortly afterward. Like a well done movie, this one was gorgeously shot, has a haunting and hypnotic Score, by Owen Pallett, and truly captures the mood throughout. I could not say enough positive things about this movie! I watched it with a friend, who is 19 years older than myself, and likes the classics, like "Citizen Kane", etc., and was unsure of what he would think of this film. He loved it also and it made a great conversation piece, between us, for the rest of the evening. M. Blash, I think you did an outstanding job and was rather touched, moved, involved, and inspired by your Creation! A true gem!

Grade: A

Indie pic stars to great actresses but lacks power

[Beginthebeguine · 19 August 2014]

So...we wander through life until something happens that shatters the illusions that we have created for ourselves. Emma (Chloe Sevigny)the elder sister has been acting as Hospice nurse for their ailing mother, who in the opening of the film has finally died. The younger sister Angela (Jena Malone) has come to aid her sister. Also there are Emma's two children, who have their own subplots. Emma is not ready to let go of her mother and after a real or imagined phone call (you decide) which can be interpreted as saying her mother will soon be resurrected, Emma begins to prepare for the event.

The dynamics between the sisters is never really explored in a satisfactory way. We do learn that Emma is married and that Angela had a long-term relationship, that Emma considered toxic, that ended recently. Angela meets a younger man who she begins to develop a crush on. This relationship is also not explored to any satisfactory conclusion. If fact, I can see no reason for these subplots, and to be honest, would have though that the plot should have been less diluted by these meaningless subplots. Oh well, I am sure the writer/Director (M. Bash) know exactly what he was trying to say and as he continues in his career I really hope he gets that chance.

The film is pleasant to look at and visually it tells the story better than the plot does. Forest fires, sunlight falling through the forest, a horse being cleaned of the chemicals sprayed on the fire and finally two shocking videos played on the computer. The first of a young girl being hit by a train and a demon face (a la The Exorcist). Life shocks us back from our illusions to the reality of death and suffering. Far too film school in its approach, the director does get technological kudos for his ability to paint a picture that distracts from some serious plot and dialogue issues.

Lush, startling, beautiful.

[gnaomi · 10/10 · 29 March 2014]

Emily Dickenson said something about knowing she'd encountered a true poem if it took the top of her head off, or something like that. I know I've encountered a real film, when immediately after the credits have rolled I need to watch it again. M. Blash's "The Wait" is one of those for sure. There was a moment when the sound changed and the image cut to an eerie moon, fire- orange and smoke-black, the clouds moving like a haunting. There was something Kubrick there. And again in the twinning of the blond mother and daughter pair, after a desperate trip to town, which culminated in twin curled coifs. I also loved the primal backdrop of fire, floral light piercing a cave's interior, a herd of horses running, a girl running, a girl dancing. I will put this on the list of my favorite films this year, which also includes Lars Von Trier's "Nymphomaniac" and "Blue is The Warmest Color".

Character-driven psychological drama

[howardsavids · 10/10 · 9 March 2015]

I first heard about 'The Wait' from a friend of mine. He recommended it to me on the basis of my interest in the work of David Lynch, and also because he knows that I'd lived in the Pacific Northwest for a little while.

The first time I watched the film, I admit that I didn't really get what was going on. The plot moves very quickly at moments, and very slowly at others. But, upon a second viewing I felt I really started to understand. The film is very rich, and the characters go deep.

I feel like a common reading/viewing of 'The Wait' – or at least from what I've read in other critics reviews – is that the film lacks any kind of depth. I don't think so, I think there is a very strange coherency to the film. It's like a fever dream, the characters emotional movements like tectonic plates, in that they shift imperceptibly at times, but there always is a shifting and movement. I'm thinking particularly of Chloe's character Emma, her scene where she sees her husband again for the first time in a while. They're out on a boat, her mania is palpable. I found that shift to be really interesting.

Thank you M Blash, and looking forward to the next one. –Howard