Mud between the fingers. The murmur of locusts, frogs and crickets. The pregnant air of an oncoming storm. The warmth of summer sun. The caress of a lover’s hand. Rain on the skin.
Raven Jackson’s staggering feature debut evokes the texture of memories, as she lyrically yet vividly tells the story of Mack, a woman in rural Mississippi dealing with life’s struggles, joys and secrets over several decades. Eschewing standard chronology and mostly dialogue-free, this poetic and beautifully crafted portrait heralds the arrival of an artist with a deeply assured vision. Aided by Jomo Fray’s gorgeous cinematography and a number of subtle, powerful and largely wordless performances, Jackson creates a universe that you can see, feel, touch, smell. It’s both an immersive experience and a remarkable film. ~SM