“Long (2024)
Introduction
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Review: Long (2024): A Meditation on Time, Memory, and the Burden of Eternity
"Long," the latest offering from director Anya Sharma, is not a film for the impatient. It’s a slow burn, a deliberate and often mesmerizing exploration of time, memory, and the profound loneliness that can accompany an existence stretching far beyond the boundaries of a typical human lifespan. While its pacing may test some viewers, those willing to surrender to its rhythm will find themselves rewarded with a deeply resonant and thought-provoking cinematic experience. "Long" is less about plot and more about atmosphere, character, and the unsettling questions it poses about what it means to truly live, and what it means to truly remember.
The film centers on Elias Thorne (played with quiet intensity by Benedict Cumberbatch), a man living a secluded life in a remote coastal town in Ireland. Elias is, to put it simply, old. Not just old in the sense of advanced years, but old in a way that transcends normal aging. His eyes hold a weight of centuries, a silent testament to countless experiences and untold stories. He spends his days tending to his small garden, reading ancient texts, and staring out at the turbulent sea, a constant companion to his solitary existence.
The catalyst for the film’s narrative is the arrival of Maeve (Saoirse Ronan), a young historian researching local folklore and legends. Maeve is drawn to Elias’s enigmatic presence and the rumors that surround him – whispers of a man who has lived for hundreds of years, a man touched by something ancient and unknowable. Initially, Elias is guarded, reluctant to reveal anything about himself. He is a man weary of questions, weary of curiosity, weary of the burden of his long life.
However, Maeve’s persistence and genuine interest slowly begin to chip away at his defenses. She is not interested in sensationalizing his story; she is genuinely curious about his experiences, about the history he has witnessed, and about the secrets he holds within. As their relationship develops, Elias begins to share fragments of his past, not in a linear or chronological way, but in disjointed memories and evocative anecdotes.
These memories are the heart of "Long." We are transported through time, witnessing glimpses of Elias’s life across different eras. We see him as a young man in medieval Europe, fighting in wars and falling in love. We see him as a scholar in the Renaissance, immersed in the pursuit of knowledge. We see him as a traveler in the Victorian era, exploring far-flung corners of the globe. These vignettes are not merely historical set pieces; they are deeply personal and emotionally resonant moments that reveal the complexities of Elias’s character and the ever-present weight of his longevity.
Anya Sharma masterfully uses visual storytelling to convey the passage of time and the accumulation of memories. The film is shot with a muted color palette, emphasizing the somber and contemplative mood. The cinematography, by veteran DP Darius Khondji, is breathtaking, capturing the stark beauty of the Irish coastline and the intimate details of Elias’s life. The use of natural light and long takes creates a sense of realism and immerses the viewer in the film’s world.
The film’s score, composed by Jóhann Jóhannsson (in one of his final works, contributing a posthumous touch of melancholy), is haunting and evocative, perfectly complementing the film’s themes. The music is subtle and understated, never overpowering the visuals or the performances, but always adding to the emotional depth of the scenes. It’s a score that lingers in the mind long after the credits have rolled.
Beyond the technical aspects, "Long" is ultimately a film about the human condition. It explores universal themes of love, loss, memory, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe. Elias’s long life, while seemingly extraordinary, is ultimately a metaphor for the human experience. We all carry the weight of our past, the memories of our joys and sorrows, the scars of our experiences. And we all grapple with the question of what it all means.
The film also delves into the ethical implications of immortality. Is it a gift or a curse? Does living for centuries make one wiser or simply more jaded? Elias’s experiences suggest that it is both. He has witnessed the best and worst of humanity, the triumphs and tragedies of history. He has loved and lost countless times, and he has seen the world change in ways that are both wondrous and terrifying.
One of the most compelling aspects of "Long" is the ambiguity surrounding Elias’s origins. The film never explicitly explains how he came to be so long-lived. There are hints of ancient rituals, of mystical forces, of scientific experiments gone awry. But the film deliberately avoids providing a definitive answer, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions. This ambiguity adds to the film’s mystique and allows for a more open-ended interpretation of its themes.
Cumberbatch delivers a career-defining performance as Elias Thorne. He embodies the character’s weariness, his wisdom, and his quiet desperation with remarkable subtlety and nuance. He is not a flamboyant or charismatic figure; he is a man burdened by the weight of his own existence, a man who has seen too much and felt too much. Cumberbatch’s performance is a masterclass in restraint, conveying a wealth of emotion with just a glance or a sigh.
Ronan is equally impressive as Maeve. She brings a youthful energy and a sense of hope to the film, contrasting with Elias’s world-weariness. Maeve is not simply a passive observer; she is an active participant in the narrative, challenging Elias’s assumptions and forcing him to confront his past. The chemistry between Cumberbatch and Ronan is palpable, creating a believable and engaging relationship that is at the heart of the film.
However, "Long" is not without its flaws. Its slow pace may deter some viewers, and its lack of a traditional plot may leave others feeling unsatisfied. The film’s ambiguity, while intriguing, can also be frustrating at times. Some may find the lack of definitive answers to be unsatisfying, preferring a more concrete resolution to the film’s mysteries.
Furthermore, the film occasionally treads into overly sentimental territory, particularly in its depiction of Elias’s past romances. While these moments are emotionally resonant, they can also feel somewhat clichéd, undermining the film’s overall sense of originality.
Despite these minor shortcomings, "Long" is a remarkable achievement. It is a film that stays with you long after you have left the theater, prompting you to reflect on your own life, your own memories, and your own place in the grand scheme of things. It is a film that challenges you to think about the nature of time, the meaning of existence, and the enduring power of the human spirit.
"Long" is not a film for everyone. It requires patience, contemplation, and a willingness to surrender to its slow and deliberate rhythm. But for those who are willing to take the journey, it is a deeply rewarding and unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a film that prioritizes atmosphere and character development over explosive action or intricate plot twists, making it a truly unique and thought-provoking piece of cinema. It earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Its strengths lie in its masterful direction, stunning visuals, haunting score, and, above all, the extraordinary performances of Benedict Cumberbatch and Saoirse Ronan. It’s a film that will stay with you, prompting reflection and discussion long after the credits roll. It’s a testament to the power of cinema to explore the deepest questions of the human condition. And it firmly establishes Anya Sharma as a director to watch, a filmmaker with a unique vision and a profound understanding of the human heart. While its deliberate pace may not appeal to all audiences, "Long" is a film that deserves to be seen and appreciated for its artistry, its intelligence, and its profound emotional impact.
