Director
Sandra Wollner

Stars
Lena Watson, Dominik Warta and Ingrid Burkhard

There is some questionable material in this Austrian-German production that controversially led to its omission from screening at the 2020 Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF). Though these aren’t necessarily reason alone to completely avoid the film, the fact that it’s one of the most pointless and psychologically distancing films I’ve seen in a while most certainly is.

One of the troubles with the oddly titled The Trouble with Being Born is that it isn’t until the second chapter of the film where it finally forms as much substance as it ever will to explain its very stagnant premise. The focal character of that premise is an android child named Elli (Lena Watson) who shares the company of only one other being – a human adult male whom she refers to as papa (played by Dominik Warta). Virtually the entire opening act spends its time visually observing their intimate, and sometimes uncomfortably sensual relationship, set within their humble abode and the outdoor pool.

I’m always up for the challenge of an arty, complex and ambiguous film. That’s precisely what attracted me to seeing this one. When each of the core components of the film are well executed, they are among the most unique and memorable I’ve seen that I hold utmost appreciation for. When some, or even most of its central characteristics fall short of where they need to be, the reward for effort factor is in greater jeopardy of not being reached. In The Trouble with Being Born‘s case, the restlessness and disinterest its overly-ambiguous and heavily underwritten screenplay provokes and sets in from early rarely subsides and is never resolved. The amount of discernible depth and material present here might have made for a compelling short film, but does not warrant a feature-length one.

 Finally, I’d like to address its controversy and questionable material. I don’t agree with the final decision or the decision-making process that eventuated at MIFF on the basis of allowing the public free will of choice and not having these decisions made for us. Rather, any concerns regarding the content of this film ought to be directed to those who chose to write, present and release it. Personally, I could not identify any point of worth or importance in sexualising Elli the way she has been here. From the handful or so of scenes depicting Elli’s sexual curiosity and advancements, I can only deduce that they are here for shock value above all else.

1 ½ stars

Viewer Discretion
R18+ (High impact themes)

Trailer
The Trouble With Being Born

Moviedoc thanks Potential Films for the screener link provided to watch and review this film.

The Trouble With Being Born is showing in selected cinemas across Australia from December 3.

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
Follow on Twitter – Moviedoc / LIKE on Facebook – @moviedoc13

©