With love and major organ

In the enigmatic world depicted in With Love and a Major Organ, director Kim Albright and screenwriter Julia Lederer present a society that has become increasingly detached from genuine emotion, in favor of technology and conformity. Set in a future where hearts are no longer fleshy organs but rather objects made of various materials, the film explores the consequences of suppressing true feelings and submitting to the demands of a controlled existence.

At the heart of the story is Anabel (Anna Maguire), a young woman who yearns for deeper relationships and refuses to conform to the emotionless norm. When she meets George (Hamza Haq), an awkward, isolated individual, she takes the bold step of literally giving him her heart, in the hope of freeing herself from the suffocating emotional monotony that surrounds her. What follows is a series of events that challenge the very fabric of their reality and lead both characters down unexpected paths of self-discovery.

The film's central concept, the heart as object, is a fascinating allegory of the contemporary state of human interaction. It raises challenging questions about the impact of technology on our lives, as the characters in the story let an app dictate their choices and relationships. The parallels with our own world, where social media algorithms often influence our decisions and emotions, make the film's message particularly relevant and engaging.

Despite its intriguing premise, With Love and a Major Organ struggles to keep pace, particularly in its running time. Clocking in at around 90 minutes, the film's length sometimes feels excessive, causing the narrative to lose some of its momentum. While the film's ideas and commentary are undoubtedly its strong points, the execution doesn't live up to its potential. Opportunities to explore character development and emotional ties in greater depth are missed, resulting in a story that feels underdeveloped at times.

The actors' performances, while decent, don't always manage to leave a lasting impact. Anna Maguire's portrayal of Anabel captures the character's longing for genuine connection, but her emotional range seems limited at times. Similarly, Hamza Haq's portrayal of George's transformation lacks the depth to really resonate with audiences. Veena Sood's portrayal of George's mother adds complexity to the story, highlighting the choices individuals make when faced with societal pressures.

Visually, With Love and a Major Organ boasts a unique and captivating aesthetic. Cinematographer Leonardo Harim's work, characterized by vibrant colors and creative composition, contributes to the film's distinct visual style. The imagery reinforces the contrast between the characters' barren, emotionless world and their yearning for a more vibrant existence.

Kim Albright's direction maintains a consistent tone, but sometimes lacks the energy to fully engage the audience. Although the film manages to evoke poignant and humorous moments, it doesn't always manage to create a lasting emotional impact. The film's exploration of themes of individuality, emotional expression and the true nature of love is somewhat hampered by pacing and execution.

With Love and a Major Organ is a visually captivating and sobering exploration of a society dominated by technology and the suppression of emotion. Its premise holds great potential for insightful commentary on our modern world, but the film fails to fully realize this potential due to pacing issues and underdeveloped character arcs. Despite its flaws, the film remains an original and relevant addition to the genre, inviting viewers to reflect on the impact of technology on our relationships and the enduring power of true human connection.

With love and major organ
Directed by Kim Albright
Produced by Madeleine Davis
Written by Julia Lederer
Starring Anna Maguire, Hamza Haq, Veena Sood, Donna Benedicto, Arghavan Jenati, Laara Sadiq, Ryan Beil, Kerën Burkett, Enid-Raye Adams, Miho Suzuki, Ken Godmere, Linda Pollard, Jennifer Copping, Michael Daingerfield
Music by Jeremy Wallace Maclean
Cinematography : Leonardo Harim            
Edited by Tony Zhou       
Release date : NC
Running time : 91 minutes

Viewed August 04, 2023 (Fantasia screener press)

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