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Mar 28, 2017scribby rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
In this contemporary rendering of (part of) the Book of Job, a question is asked of God concerning the "why" of a tragic event, and God's answer is the entire history of the universe. Not since "2001: A Space odyssey" has a Hollywood film painted such a simple storyline on such a cosmic canvas. (Also like "2001", much of the soundtrack is actual classical/symphonic music, in this case Bach and Berlioz rather than Ligeti and the Strausses.) Simple family drama is crosscut with Hubble space telescope pictures (some animated), grand CG effects, and a final Wakean dream sequence. Judeo-Christian allegory is juxtaposed with (Darwinian?) cosmology in a way that hasn't been done since C. S. Lewis' Space Trilogy. A word for both those who find this film "too pretentious" and those who would like to congratulate yourself on being savvy enough to "get it": in both cases, don't. Just sit back an enjoy it. And then, discuss it endlessly.