One thought on “SATURDAY SHORT: BACK TO THE WOODS (2021)”
Bittersweet in the kindest of ways. A devoted elderly couple trying to make the most of whatever time they have left together is a moving premise, and each has their own affliction, adding pathos and an undercurrent of tension. Kind of confused as to what was happening (and even where they were) the first time viewing but picked up small details the second go ’round. Creating an imaginary space in which to re-live a happy memory from their past is so sweet, yet the husbands’ addled mind and the wife’s anxiety-induced asthma attack is a sad reminder they are no longer young and can’t even fully embrace the fantasy. How sweet to see him bravely face the dangerous “outdoors” to get her inhaler, and the final scene of him rubbing her back and comforting her as she recovers speaks to their beautiful, intangible bond. A sweet vignette on committed love and “soul language” speaking more eloquently than words.
Bittersweet in the kindest of ways. A devoted elderly couple trying to make the most of whatever time they have left together is a moving premise, and each has their own affliction, adding pathos and an undercurrent of tension. Kind of confused as to what was happening (and even where they were) the first time viewing but picked up small details the second go ’round. Creating an imaginary space in which to re-live a happy memory from their past is so sweet, yet the husbands’ addled mind and the wife’s anxiety-induced asthma attack is a sad reminder they are no longer young and can’t even fully embrace the fantasy. How sweet to see him bravely face the dangerous “outdoors” to get her inhaler, and the final scene of him rubbing her back and comforting her as she recovers speaks to their beautiful, intangible bond. A sweet vignette on committed love and “soul language” speaking more eloquently than words.