PACIFICATION (2022), A REVIEW - COLONIES, CAPITAL AND CONTROL.

Aimee Rogers -

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The film directed by Albert Serra, tells the fabricated story of M. De Roller, the French High Commissioner of Tahiti, and his investigation into rumours that the island has resumed nuclear testing. It’s a meandering narrative, one told between languishing scenic shots and metaphorical nothings. It’s exactly this lack of clear meaning however, that’s core to the film, not only helping to communicate De Roller’s increasing paranoia, but allowing the audience to leave with their own interpretations. Is it a critique of neoliberal capitalism? Colonialism? French bureaucracy? The answer is left to you, but regardless it’s a tale of control. Control from colonisers to colonies. Governments to men. Men to beasts. As De Roller descends into madness, the haze Serra places over the camera begins to look like grease, coating the oily foundations of the world that surrounds him as it slips from his fingers.

3.5/5