This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the movie/series/feature being covered here wouldn't exist.
"If you’re looking for something that’s going to confuse your mind and leave you thinking “what the hell have I just watched” then this is the film for you."
BY ROMEY NORTON SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
Who doesn't love horror films that are concerned with being stuck in the middle of nowhere, in a crappy cabin, with violence and abuse looming?
This British/Finnish psychological thriller surrounds a young woman called Satu who whilst taking a walk in the countryside finds a former soldier called Lauri, who ends up taking her in after a huge storm. Soon after, she finds herself questioning reality. With a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes it’s a slow burner, but intriguing enough to keep you watching.
The film begins with a naked woman covered in blood standing in a lake, and from there it's very slow but eerie. The film does a great job in keeping the viewer wondering what is going to happen next. However, a lot of the time it’s more confusing intrigue than suspense.
There are flashbacks used randomly and I would have rather it been linear - they made the film feel disjointed, but perhaps that’s on purpose to keep confusing the viewer. The setting is rather beautiful, there are some stunning scenery shots throughout, which is a contrast to the content.
I’m not going to lie, at 50 minutes in I still didn’t really know what was going on, but I wasn’t bored. There is a battle for control in this unique situation, and the question around what is reality, and what is really happening is constantly unanswered. There is a continuous cycle of abuse, with both being injured and looking after one another, and the blurred faces give an identity crisis theme, or themes of unknown.
In the background of the film old black and white movies are played, and what the characters are saying is reflecting the two protagonists thoughts and feelings, and evening quoting them, which I did think was fairly clever and unnerving.
Whilst the film is slow, there is some depth to its writing and therefore Lene Kqiku, Timo Torikka, Vincent Willestrand all did well in their acting.
The loud, disturbing music became very distracting, and clearly was used to try and build some suspense, but I found there was more suspense without it. The less squeaky, fast paced violins the better.
Overall, Another Day to Live through was giving me Misery vibes, especially with close ups of little ornaments, but it did not give the same level of suspense. It’s creatively confusing, so psychologically makes you think, but it does not thrill. If you’re looking for something that’s going to confuse your mind and leave you thinking “what the hell have I just watched” then this is the film for you.
STAR RATING
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