This film is part of Rentals
Malila: The Farewell Flower
A dream-like encounter between two ex-lovers becomes a meditation on love, life and loss in this hauntingly beautiful film.
Director: Anucha Boonyawatana
Overview
This hauntingly beautiful film focuses on former lovers Pitch and Shane. We gradually learn that Shane’s marriage fell apart after the death of a child and he plans to become a Buddhist monk. Pitch, meanwhile, is clearly unwell. His therapy is to practice the art of Bai Sri. A form of flower sculpture that requires enormous patience and skill, where banana leaves are folded to create elegant structures upon which delicate blossoms are threaded, it seems to offer solace to Pitch, as well as the promise of a cure for his cancer.
Ultimately, both men are in search of something and find comfort once again in each other. For all its languorous beauty, this is an occasionally shocking film. But its elision of fantasy and reality, alongside its rich emotional complexity, make it a rare and special experience.
disturbing images, strong sexRelated
God's Own Country God's Own Country
Drama 2017 105 mins Director: Francis Lee
A troubled young sheep farmer falls for a hired hand in this stunning debut from Francis Lee.
The Book of Gabrielle The Book of Gabrielle
Drama 2016 79 mins Director: Lisa Gornick
Lisa Gornick's funny and frank drama sketches the relationship between a sex-obsessed lesbian illustrator and a randy hetero author, who bond over their favourite subject.
Mario Mario
Drama 2018 119 mins Director: Marcel Gisler
On the pitch Mario and Leon are teammates; off the pitch they are becoming so much more.
The Happy Prince The Happy Prince
Biopic 2018 105 mins Director: Rupert Everett
Rupert Everett astounds as Oscar Wilde, depicting the fallen star in the final years of his life, in this heartfelt and captivating passion project.
McQueen McQueen
Biopic 2018 111 mins Director: Ian Bonhôte
In scintillating fashion, this compelling documentary explores the dark dreams that drove the brilliant, lamented designer, Alexander McQueen.
Anchor and Hope Anchor and Hope
Comedy 2018 113 mins Director: Carlos Marques-Marcet
Sweetly swaying houseboat comedy about a couple whose river-bound existence is upended by the arrival of an old friend.
Misericordia Misericordia
Drama 2024 104 mins Director: Alain Guiraudie
French provocateur Alain Guiraudie's rural homecoming story mixing passion, crime, mushrooms and bedroom farce to dizzily involving effect.
Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other Two Strangers Trying Not to Kill Each Other
Documentary 100 mins Director: Manon Ouimet and Jacob Perlmutter
A creative artist couple navigate love and ageing in this brave, fascinating documentary.
The Last Showgirl The Last Showgirl
Drama 2024 89 mins Director: Gia Coppola
Golden Globe-nominated Pamela Anderson is enchanting as the Las Vegas showgirl whose stage show is set to close.
Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound Mogwai: If the Stars Had a Sound
Documentary 2024 91 mins Director: Antony Crook
Celestial sonic odyssey charting the cult Scottish band’s expansive career from the mid-90s to their tenth studio album written during lockdown.
Dust & Metal Dust & Metal
Documentary 2022 82 mins Director: Esther Johnson
Discover unfamiliar histories of Vietnam through Esther Johnson’s poetic documentary on the country’s love affair with the motorbike.
Flow Flow
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 85 mins Director: Gints Zilbalodis
Oscar-winning animated adventure about an unlikely group of animals who must work together to survive a natural disaster.