Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

So Long Billie Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf July 13, 2021

“So Long Billie” (aka “Pompei”) appears to pursue a hypnotic viewing experience. Writer/directors Anna Falgueres and John Shank don’t have much time for storytelling with their endeavor, making room for lengthy shots of nature, open spaces, sexual connections, and naked actors. There’s little in the way of drama in the feature, but a direct assessment of motivation doesn’t seem to be the point of the movie, which chooses to exist as a cinematic mist of sorts, hoping to attract viewers interested in art-house hypnotism.

“So Long Billie” loosely examines the life of Victor (Aliocha Schneider), who is a bit of a lost boy in an unspecified time and place. He deals with his younger brother, Jimmy, but his attention is soon pulled to Billie (Garance Marillier, best known as the cannibal girl from “Raw”), with the pair embarking on a sexual relationship, which eventually complicates everyday life. Personalities aren’t emphasized in “So Long Billie,” with the helmers favoring poses instead, laboring to transform the feature into a tone poem of sorts, with lots of thousand-yard stares that try to convey emotion. What really connects in the picture is cinematography by Florian Berutti, which basically becomes the lead character in the effort, bringing viewers to a strange, dry land populated with lonely people.

So Long Billie Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation offers clarity with a deeply atmospheric feature. Distances are dimensional throughout the viewing experience, and detail does very well with skin particulars, surveying the actors in various stages of undress. Set interiors are textured, along with displays of nature and unearthed discoveries. Colors are exact, delivering natural skintones and vibrant greenery. Sandy hues and golden sunshine is appreciable, and costuming brings out a wider range of primaries. Delineation is satisfactory. Some mild banding and blockiness is detected.

So Long Billie Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix presents more frontal power with soundtrack selections, offering a defined beat, while scoring cues support dramatic moods well, pushing into the surrounds. Atmospherics are also mildly circular, establishing the remoteness of the locations and room tone. Dialogue exchanges are sharp, with clear emotionality. Low-end isn't challenged.

So Long Billie Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Trailer (1:52, HD) is included.

So Long Billie Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

If there's a tale to tell in "So Long Billie," Falgueres and Shank largely keep it to themselves. The feature isn't interpretational, it's atmospheric, and for a movie like this to work at its highest level, there should be something more to the material than just prolonged silences. "So Long Billie" is sure to be appreciated by viewers already drawn to this type of artful endeavor, rewarded with a loose viewing experience basically offering tactile highlights. Just don't expect to be swept away by any noticeable display of warmth or personality.