Review: Sofía Petersen's 'Olivia' Explores Grief and Loneliness

Olivia review – unhurried, painterly fable about loss aims to expose the meaning of grief

Argentinian director Sofía Petersen’s self-conscious film tries for the weight of slow cinema, but is formless, inert and hibernating within its own heavy unlit gloom Argentinian director Sofía Petersen’s film is a mysterious depiction of loneliness and loss in the stark landscape of Tierra del Fuego; it is extended and unhurried, unfolding often to the sole accompaniment of a thin, desolate wind. It was well-received at last year’s Locarno film festival, but despite believing in the importan...

By Peter Bradshaw