User Reviews

Morvern Callar is a cinematic marvel that captures the essence of storytelling in its rawest, most unfiltered form. Samantha Morton's performance is a tour de force, a unique blend of breathtaking, fearless, and fascinating. She brings a rare intensity and authenticity to the character, a portrayal that is the film's beating heart, drawing the audience into Morvern's complex world with a magnetic force. The film's direction and cinematography are compelling and a gateway to an immersive experience that blurs the line between fiction and reality. How Morvern Callar is shot is incredibly evocative, making it hard to remember that you are watching a film and not living within its scenes yourself. Every frame is meticulously crafted, contributing to a visceral and intimate atmosphere long after the credits roll. Combining Morton's stunning performance with the film's masterful visual storytelling, Morvern Callar stands not just as one of the greatest British films of the 21st century but as a transformative experience. It is a testament to the power of cinema to transport, transform, and transcend. This film is not just watched; it is experienced, leaving an indelible mark on its audience and inspiring them to see the world in a new light.

A surreal and dark movie that is carried by the performance of Sam Morton. The subject matter and style certainly won't appeal to everyone's taste.

This film was really strange. I'm not sure how to put it into words, but it definitely will not leave you indifferent.

Meditative soul-search - Lynne Ramsay explores the inner life of the mysterious woman Morvern Callar in her second feature film preceding her acclaimed feature film debut "Ratcatcher" (1999). Morvern Callar is a woman in her twenties who lives with her boyfriend in a Scottish coastal town where she works at a shopping mall with her best friend Lanna. Christmas is nearby, and one day after visiting the local pub with Lanna, Morvern returns to her home where she finds her boyfriend dead on the floor of their living room. Left behind with an unpublished novel, a recorded tape of music and some money, Morvern invites her friend on a holiday trip to Spain. Scottich film maker, screenwriter and photographer Lynne Ramsay had made three short films and her first feature film "Ratcatcher" (1999) before she made this innovating character study which was shoot in UK, Scottland and Spain. Her patient and poetic camera movements mirrors a passion and consideration for her motives which is very appealing. The intimate close ups of Samantha Morton leads the viewer closely enough to captivate it's attention, and Lynne Ramsays individualistic film style and creative perspectives makes her one of the most interesting female directors a long side Susanne Bier, Jane Campion, Sally Potter and Margreth Olin. Once one sees the face of Samantha Morton it triggers our curiosity for the dark haired, mystic and short spoken Morvern Callar who has recently lost her lover and is getting trough the initial phase of grief. Morvern is an archetype heroine, and after facing a traumatic incident she counterattacks in stead of digging herself down. But is she in denial? or is she trying to escape reality? The synoptic though alluring screenplay adapted from Alan Warners novel aims in on the main character and creates an unforgettable character brought to life by Samantha Morton who delivers an enchanting performance which is reminiscent of Emily Watson`s performance in "Breaking the Waves" (1996). Alvin H. Kuchler`s colorful and artistic photography and the psychedelic music from amongst others Apex Twin and The Velvet Underground increases this interpretive independent films cryptic mood.

Morvan Callar joins the countless number of feminine characters in cinema whose unrestrained mystique equally frustrates and fascinates the viewer, and ultimately keeps us glued to the screen. Samantha Morton's performance is really what gives the movie its power (more so than Ramsay's directing), managing to lure us in but leave us disconnected from the mysterious stoichism of her character. The hipster soundtrack and fast-cut editing were nice touches, bringing its classic philosophical ideas to the modern age, a structure which is bound to strike a chord among niche audiences (i.e. Druggies/Clubbers/Hipsters). However, the dialogue almost seems like it was added as an afterthought and the messages presented only seem half-fulfilled by the end of the film.