The Nines was a flick I saw the trailer for back about two years ago when it was doing its runs at the festivals. I didn't know what to make of it, but something about it intrigued me. It seemed part sci-fi, part surrealist, part triller. Then I forgot about it completely for two years and didn't even think about it until I heard someone talking about it in their podcast. I knew going into it that it was going to be one of those films where I had to actively think about what was going on, and I was okay with that; and being able to sit there and think about the movie made it that much more enjoyable.
The overall story takes place over three different parts with three different characters played by the same people. There are similarities between the roles and settings, but you find out in the end how each one is "truly" connected. John August, the writer/director, has made a film that can serve as an allegory for many things. The two I'm taking out of this is the absurdist/chaotic answer to the question "why are we here?" and the way us writers can get lost in the worlds we create. The story is very thought provoking and makes you think a lot about your man-upstairs-belief or lack thereof and for writers, it specifically connects with your process of trying to make your dreams a reality.
The Nines' focus on story would make you think it takes away from the visual side, but it doesn't really. It isn't constantly throwing brilliant shot after brilliant shot after you, but every so often the cinematography or editing jumps up enough to catch your attention and make you remember the moment. The music is what you'd probably expect from the more esoteric genre of film, but accents the narrative well. If I can get my hands on the soundtrack anywhere, I think I will, but someone who's looking for some huge dramatic score or cyberpunk rock is gonna be disappointed.
One note that I usually miss when I'm reviewing a film is the acting. Considering the cast, I thought it was worth mentioning. Ryan Reynolds, who is best known for his comedy roles gets to show his range and that he as the ability to transcend his home turf. Elle Fanning once again does a good job at playing the creepy little girl, but makes a convincing average daughter too. Melissa McCarthy, who plays three different characters opposite Reynolds, does an exceptional job with each one. My favorite, though, is the sarcastic but witty publicist in the first part.
This film makes you examine your belief system as you consider a what if? scenario playing before you. As a writer, I very much connected with the overall theme of getting lost in your creation, and as an agnostic myself I found the creation theory portrayed in this film was intriguing if not funny in a gallow's humor type way. (Once again, the sarcasm and dark humor helped me enjoy it that much more.) If you're not overly religious and you enjoy the occassional mind-boggling suspense film, you'll dig The Nines.