MIFF NOTES: Spring (2014, Dirs. Aaron Moorhead, Justin Benson)

After a serious life breakdown an American man travels to Italy and tries not to be an American tourist by hanging out with the most British of British backpackers. American only succeeds in being entirely American. Oh, the horror!!!

American tourists meets sexually voracious local, but is she more than the curvaceous stereotype she appears?

Irritating characterisation aside, there are some great ideas blossoming in Spring, the critically championed genre flick from film making partners Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead. There's an emerging aesthetic here that sets the duo apart, even if the execution is a little ragged.

Broadly drawn characters, ripe scripting and slack pacing hamper connection to the film but, impressively, the fecundity of its gender horror and its dextrous linking of location and history to its climax shines through. Obviously enough for the more forgiving/awake to promote with passion.

Certainly has something to offer the genre. Devotees should definitely put it on their watchlists.

★★☆

Trailer:

Spring screened at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2015.