Stanford Mail

Be Prepared for Your Every Emotion to Be Challenged

MOVIE REVIEW
When It Melts (Het smelt)

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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 51m
Director(s): Veerle Baetens
Writer(s): Veerle Baetens, Maarten Loix, Lize Spit(based on the book)
Cast: Rosa Marchant, Charlotte De Bruyne, Amber Metdepenningen, 
Matthijs Meertens, Anthony Vyt, Sebastien Dewaele
Language: Dutch w/English subtitles
Where To Watch: Premiering at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Screen this and more here Sundance Film Festival


RAVING REVIEW: First and foremost, I want to point out that this film could be an emotional trigger for people with past emotional trauma. Not an easy movie to watch, challenging your emotions throughout, but it was an important story; I would be very interested to see how closely it follows the book it was based on.


WHEN IT MELTS is a film that delves into the complexities of human emotion and the weight of past experiences on present actions. The protagonist, Eva, played by Charlotte De Bruyne (as an adult), returns to her hometown with a heavy burden.

The film's representation of mental health is raw and authentic, and it's clear that the filmmakers took great care to ensure the representation was accurate and respectful. The director's decision to collaborate with a mental health expert was an essential choice, and it's evident that the input of a professional significantly contributed to the film's emotional depth and nuance.

Veerle Baetens (THE BROKEN CIRCLE BREAKDOWN,) the writer and director of the film, brings a unique perspective to the project. The actors' performances in this film show her understanding of trust and safety on set, which is critical in capturing the story's emotional depth.

Inspired by the novel "The Melting" by Lize Spit, Baetens was determined to bring the story of a young woman's journey of self-discovery to the screen. The result is a powerful, moving film that will stay with audiences long after the credits have rolled.

WHEN IT MELTS is a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into the innermost depths of the soul and the struggles of those who keep their pain hidden. As a film lover, I found it a masterful work of art, rich in emotional resonance and intellectual substance. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions. This film truly “speaks to the quiet people who bury their pain deep inside where no one can see it.” It is a film that will resonate with audiences, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally charged cinematic experience.

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[photo courtesy of SAVAGE FILM]