Superior Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		4.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Superior Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf August 24, 2022

“Superior” opens with a visit to a crime scene, but the picture isn’t committed to exploring the details of violence. Co-writer/director Erin Vassilopoulos is more invested in the story of twin sisters reuniting after a lengthy period of estrangement, examining the thawing ice between siblings who don’t fully understand each other. “Superior” is really two stories trying to become one, but Vassilopoulos can’t connect the different sides of the movie, making the human elements of the feature far more interesting than any thriller offerings.

Marian (Alessandra Mesa) is on the run, trying to get away from Robert (Pico Alexander), a mystery man who’s after her. Looking for a hiding spot, Marian travels to see her twin sister, Vivian (Ani Mesa), who’s living an unfulfilling life in the suburbs, married to Michael (Jake Hoffman). Reuniting after six years apart, Marian and Vivian work to relearn their sibling dynamic, eventually trading identities to experience a level of freedom they haven’t enjoyed in a long time.

A violent event on an empty road opens “Superior,” establishing Marian’s disturbing relationship with Robert, who’s initially identified as an enigmatic threat. The incident inspires Marian to return to Vivian, and the writing seems most interested in this reunion, getting a sense of a sisterhood that was lost to time and troubles, suddenly reassembled for a domestic adventure Marian isn’t fully prepared to experience. “Superior” doesn’t lean towards comedy or drama, electing to enjoy moments with semi-odd characters, exploring domestic dysfunction and power plays featuring the male characters, who all seek to retain some control over Marian and Vivian.

“Superior” endeavors to keep Robert in play, making him a mysterious figure that haunts Marian, keeping her on edge as she tries to remain out of sight. The sisters merge their look and switch roles at the midway point of the picture, which provides the movie with potential, examining how Marian and Vivian experience a world as other people, freed from their fears and obligations. “Superior” is most compelling here, watching how Marian takes cover in domesticity, while Vivian locates purpose in an ice cream shop, enjoying time away from Michael and his demands to start a family.

Superior Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.65:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Superior" gracefully supports the feature's original 16mm look, securing film-like grain throughout. Detail does well, exploring facial surfaces and decorative additions, which are prioritized by the production. Distances are dimensional. Color is exact, with the heavy influence of red distinct, along with assorted primaries on interior paint choices and costuming. Greenery and snowscapes are fresh. Delineation is satisfactory.

Superior Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 Dolby Digital mix secures sharp dialogue exchanges, handling acting choices and emotionality. Music supports comfortably, finding soundtrack selections clean and circular, while low-end isn't challenged. Atmospherics are mild but appreciable.

Superior Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (30 pages) contains a director's statement from Erin Vassilopoulos, an interview with editor Jenn Ruff, a Q&A with Vassilopoulos, and essays by Lucy Fischer.

• Commentary features writer/director Erin Vassilopoulos, co-writer/actor Alessandra Mesa, actor Ani Mesa, costume designer Allison Pearce, and cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry.

• Q&A (28:46, HD) visits a The Future of Film is Female screening of "Superior," with writer/director Erin Vassilopoulos, co- writer/actor Alessandra Mesa, actor Ani Mesa, costume designer Allison Pearce, and cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry on hand to answer questions about the picture.

• "Valeria" (20:07, HD) is 2016 short film by Erin Vassilopoulos.

• And a Trailer (1:14, HD) is included.

Superior Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Days of liberation and exploration eventually come to an end in "Superior," with Robert's malevolent ways once again claiming the focus of the endeavor. Vassilopoulos isn't especially committed to the chiller elements of the tale, preferring to add some surreal touches to the movie instead. "Superior" eventually slows to a stop instead of delivering a resolution, with the production showing limited commitment to suspense. The choice makes some sense, as time with Vivian and Marian holds more dramatic value than anything involving Robert, and Vassilopoulos lands her themes with greater success when simply focusing on the ways of sisterhood and personal challenges.