ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ

From the opening scene of Carlos Reygadas' Silent Light, you know you're in for something different. The lengthy shot of dawn breaking over the north Mexican plains gives you an inkling that this story, about a forbidden love affair in a rural religious community, is in no hurry to get anywhere. But after the first few achingly slow scenes have bludgeoned you into submission, you find yourself slowing your mental pace to match that of the film - and begin to strangely enjoy the experience.

Johan has everything a self-respecting Mennonite could want - a wife, children, cattle, and a large JR style hat. But he is in love with another woman, and talks openly of his dilemma with family and friends. It's this honesty which leads to the tragic main event of the film, as his wife breaks under the torment of being an unwilling participant in this complex love triangle. The plot then takes a most unforeseen turn, and an unwelcome one at that; forcing your brain to lurch into gear after being on stand-by for most of the film.

"STARTLING AND ENGAGING"

The largely inexperienced cast draw you in through sheer persistence, forcing you to hang on their every word and action in each sparsely filled scene. Director Reygadas explains almost nothing about this little-known religious community which only adds to the fascination. The spectacle of watching these strange blonde-haired characters set against the lush backdrop of Mexico is both startling and engaging; like some lost episode of The Waltons in which Ma and Pa pack up the truck and head to Cancun for a holiday. Silent Light is the cinematic equivalent of a Magic Eye picture, you need to stare at it long and hard to get any benefit - though some will never see anything at all.

Silent Light is out in the UK on 7th December 2007.