Slamdance 2021: A Black Rift Begins to Yawn
slamdance 2021Matthew Wade's newest feature directorial effort A Black Rift Begins to Yawn – which is streaming as part of the 2021 Slamdance Film Festival – is an experiment both in style and narrative. Using an incredibly unique visual design to draw a sort of cosmic horror out of often prolonged and atmospherically rich sequences, the artistry within the film is rather undeniable, even if the narrative suffers as a result.
There is no denying that the visual beauty within A Black Rift Begins to Yawn is some of the most stunning work seen in decades. The quiet coldness of the environment which is further enhanced by a unique color grading and crafted shot composition is far beyond what is normally given even the most artistic of films from recent years. It is impossible not to get sucked into the film's camerawork from cinematographer Lila Streicher – who shockingly is making her feature debut with the project and already demands respect as one of the most exciting cinematographers working today. The score also coming from Matthew Wade is also eerily enchanting. When combined, the viewing experience of A Black Rift Begins to Yawn is often more comparable to a piece of art demanding to be felt than a film trying to tell a story.
Yet this feeling is also the movie's downfall. Even at a rather clean 102-minute runtime, the film simply drags. There is a deeper story being told regarding two women who are working on a mysterious project, but the film is so focused on becoming an artistic expression for the senses that it is quick to throw this narrative into the gutter. After a while, the film simply feels boring and, worst of all, empty. Pretty colors and cool shots only will hold one's attention for so long, eventually there needs to be a greater substance found and A Black Rift Begins to Yawn simply fails to find one. Sure it is possible to really break down each insane scene on rewatches and probably craft a unique narrative, but the film doesn't give the audience enough to have faith that the end result of this effort would be rewarding, and ultimately the film fails to find this depth on first viewing.
More than anything else, A Black Rift Begins to Yawn feels like a classic warning tale of valuing style over substance. When one becomes so concerned with visual style and atmosphere to the point where the narrative and thesis gets thrown to the side, the result naturally is frustrating and disappointing. This is the fate that A Black Rift Begins to Yawn casts onto itself and at the end of the day, the film is easier to appreciate and respect than it is to enjoy.
