7.3 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.5 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Laura, a Spanish woman living in Buenos Aires, returns to her hometown outside Madrid with her two children to attend her sister's wedding. However, the trip is upset by unexpected events that bring secrets into the open.
Starring: Javier Bardem, Penélope Cruz, Ricardo Darín, Bárbara Lennie, Inma CuestaForeign | 100% |
Thriller | Insignificant |
Crime | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Mystery | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Spanish: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Digital copy
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 4.0 | |
Video | 4.5 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 0.0 | |
Overall | 3.5 |
Writer/director Asghar Farhadi is primarily known for his Iranian dramas, scoring major critical successes with efforts such as “The Salesman,” “A Separation,” and “About Elly.” Ready for more global awareness, the helmer takes baby steps toward the mainstream with “Everybody Knows,” which utilizes a sampling of star power to nab attention, finding Farhadi teaming with actors Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem to help carry a kidnapping mystery. However, “Everybody Knows” is not a nail-biter with chases and whiplash turns of fate. It remains in line with Farhadi’s previous work, with primary attention placed on the internal churn of decision-making and the troubles that come with longtime relationships and secretive connections. Those expecting something more explosive from the filmmaker this time out might be disappointed, but slow-burn tension is there, realized through accomplished performances from the entire ensemble.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation maintains clarity throughout, offering satisfying detail for facial particulars, permitting a study of age as characters from several generations get involved in the investigation. Fatigue and emotion are easily surveyed. Locations retain their old-world textures, with stone construction everywhere, while the dimensional vineyards and assorted country visits are offered. Colors are compelling, delivering golden sunlight and varied costuming, with formalwear providing bolder primaries. Delineation is acceptable, though blacks are slightly milkier at times.
The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix is primarily invested in performances, with much of the run time devoted to numerous actors sharing scenes of panic and emotion. Dialogue exchanges are direct, with ideal clarity and balance, never losing a moment. Music is used sparingly, but soundtrack selections are precise, with defined instrumentation and vocals. Room tone is explored throughout the listening event, delivering a sense of celebration that slips into the surrounds, and atmospherics are engaging, capturing windy, rainy exteriors, and tighter household meetings. Low-end isn't prioritized, emerging with ringing bells and some weather-related events.
There is no supplementary material on this disc.
"Everybody Knows" has its share of revelations, with most effective, while one specific turn is not difficult to see coming. Farhadi isn't going full Hitchcock here, preferring to hang back and soak up the uneasiness, which is rooted in longstanding relationships. Perhaps the feature isn't as sharply observed or challenging as the rest of his filmography, but Farhadi is dreaming bigger here, working to maintain his creative interests in the private lives of tortured people while feeling out more pronounced situations of panic. And he has a superb cast to achieve his goals, with fine turns from Cruz and Bardem joined by excellent work from Lennie, who communicates Bea's frustrations with aching precision, and Darin sustains the enigmatic ways of Alejandro without overplaying the role. "Everybody Knows" manipulates with twists and turns in the case, but it's really a chance to focus on damaged characters stuck in past lives, which is a Farhadi specialty.
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