Review: "Upstream Color"

Shane Carruth's first film, Primer, was the toast of the independent film world in 2004. An enigmatic, methodical sci-fi thriller about the dangers of time travel, Carruth wrote, directed, starred, and did just about everything else on the $7,000 miracle movie. For a variety of reasons (the filmmaker has been open about the disappointment of his stalled science fiction project, A Topiary, which he spent years developing), it's taken nine years for his second feature, Upstream Color, to make it to the screen.

Another DIY project for Carruth, who has added self-distribution to his load of responsibilities on the film, Upstream Color stars Amy Seimetz as Kris, a young woman who is abducted and has her entire savings stolen under mysterious circumstances. Left in a fog of melancholy and confusion, she tries to put the pieces of her life back together. She meets Jeff (Carruth), who is drawn to her, and as their relationship develops, it becomes clear that there is an inexplicable bond between them. Although the spine of the story strives for some emotional truth, certain elements -- like the inclusion of mind-altering worms and a pig farmer who seems to observe people like Kris and Jeff in a strangely omniscient way -- will complicate the film's narrative beyond anything you might expect.

Carruth's work here is more polished and sophisticated than in Primer. The digital cinematography has a slightly washed out look, perfectly conveying the emotional haze these characters find themselves in. The music score and sound design are very impressive, always doing their part to maintain a sense of mystery. The film was co-edited by David Lowrey, and although the story unfolds in a mostly linear fashion, scenes don't always play by the rules; visuals and dialogue often echo, giving the film a dreamlike quality, or that of a distant memory.

While some viewers will be frustrated by connections that never quite come into focus -- ambiguity may keep them from having a complete experience with the film -- I found Upstream Color to be a strange blending of bold artistry and clinical methodology (like Primer, this is laid out meticulously). It's a mesmerizing work that is sometimes upsetting, often cryptic, but always engrossing.


STF Film Grade = B+