Watch Never Gonna Snow Again
- NR
- 2020
-
6.4 (2,807)
Never Gonna Snow Again is a Polish-language film that tells the story of Zhenia (Alec Utgoff). Zhenia is a Ukrainian massage therapist who moves to a wealthy suburban gated community in Poland. He becomes a highly sought-after masseur, and soon he has clients coming to him from all over the community. He is known for his healing touch, and he seems to have a magical ability to calm his clients' anxiety and stress.
The film is directed by Malgorzata Szumowska and co-written by Michal Englert. It is a subtle and atmospheric story that explores themes of social class, migration, and spirituality. The film is shot in a slow and dreamy style, with long takes and a muted color palette. This creates a meditative mood that mirrors Zhenia's own calming personality.
One of the striking things about Never Gonna Snow Again is the way it uses humor to explore its serious themes. The film is full of wry observations and subtle jokes, and it often finds humor in the absurdity of the wealthy residents of the gated community. This creates a sense of distance between the viewer and the characters, which allows the film to make its social critique without becoming didactic or preachy.
At the same time, the film is deeply empathetic towards its characters, especially Zhenia himself. Through his eyes, we see the loneliness and boredom of the wealthy suburban residents, as well as the many small dramas and disappointments of their lives. Zhenia's own backstory is slowly revealed throughout the film, and it becomes clear that he too is searching for something deeper than just financial success.
The film also has a mystical quality that adds to its uniqueness. Zhenia seems to have some kind of otherworldly power that allows him to heal his clients in ways they never expected. This power is never explicitly explained, and it remains ambiguous throughout the film. However, it adds a layer of mystery and intrigue that keeps the viewer engaged.
Alec Utgoff's performance as Zhenia is the backbone of the film. He plays the character with a quiet intensity that is both captivating and enigmatic. He has a powerful presence on screen, and his ability to convey emotion through small gestures is impressive. Maja Ostaszewska and Agata Kulesza also give strong performances as two of Zhenia's most regular clients.
Overall, Never Gonna Snow Again is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that rewards patient viewers. It is a quietly subversive critique of class privilege, and it uses humor and mysticism to create a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Never Gonna Snow Again is a 2020 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 73.