‘Satisfaction’ Review: Emma Laird Will Break Your Heart

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Pain serves as a beneficial signal, alerting us when something is amiss in our bodies. For instance, those born without the ability to feel pain (congenital analgesia) have a shorter lifespan. When a bone breaks and pierces the skin during a fracture, it must be properly set – a process that can be excruciating but is essential for healing. This principle of identifying and addressing the source of pain is central to the plot of “Satisfaction“, an exceptional film by director Alex Burunova that recently premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest Film Festival.

In a seemingly straightforward narrative, the movie revolves around two musicians, Lola (Emma Laird) and Philip (Fionn Whitehead), who have chosen the stunning island of Antiparos to finish an album for Sony. The plot subtly interweaves the current state where they appear to be at odds with each other, and the past when their bond was vibrant and friendship flourished. For the most part, the film functions as a meticulously crafted enigma, leaving us intrigued to unravel the mystery behind their present discord. What drives these individuals to behave in such ways? What is the origin of their sorrow? These are the questions that the movie seeks to answer.

An Emotional Threesome on an Isolated Idyllic Island

Contentment predominantly unfolds on the enchanting Greek island of Antiparos, nestled in the Aegean Sea, which seems almost like a mythical backdrop. In certain aspects, it evokes the striking island setting of Godard’s Contempt, another film exploring a fractured relationship. Lola and Philip spend their days treading lightly around each other, exchanging silent looks, stuck in routines. They engage in an empty form of intimacy. He plays piano solitarily; she has misplaced her inspiration. She weeps in the shower. They dine out together, and he watches as she smokes cigarettes.

The atmosphere of their relationship mirrors the minimalist style of Philip’s island home, designed by Olga Yurasoa, which evokes modernist architects like Le Corbusier, Gropius, and Kahn but lacks the warmth found in Kahn’s work. This cold, geometric house serves as a fitting representation of Lola and Philip’s relationship. It provides stunning visuals for the film, from the blue-lit monolith staircase to the emotionally distant infinity pool. The cinematographer Máté Herbai captures these scenes with a mesmerizing stillness.

Beyond their house lies Antiparos, and eventually, Lola and Philip’s journeys into town foster a sensual bond between Lola and an attractive, self-assured osteopath named Elena (playing by the talented Zar Amir, who seems to embody this role perfectly). Just as when warm and cold air collide, a storm ensues. The arrival of the warm Elena in their lives stirs up the calm couple’s emotional waters, creating a compelling dramatic storm, and forming an intriguing emotional trio. Elena, acting as an outside force, unearths emotions that Lola and Philip had previously suppressed, bringing them to light.

Practice Makes Perfect: The Technical Perfection of ‘Satisfaction’

The film “Satisfaction” eludes traditional reviewing methods, as it’s more about the experience than any specific narrative. It’s a mysterious movie that seamlessly blends past and present events, each reaching a critical juncture. Past experiences lead to painful incidents, while present moments hint at potential healing. The brilliant editing by Nina Annan (known for “How to Have Sex”) and the fitting score by Midori Hirano enhance this emotional rollercoaster, mirroring the characters’ musical talents and the writer’s block felt by Lola. Additionally, Javier Umpierrez’s sound design offers a unique experience, with strategic dialogue omissions creating a sense of sacred intimacy among the characters, inviting the audience to actively engage in their story.

The film, titled “Satisfaction,” is exceptionally well-made, not only from an artistic perspective but also technically. Each element was painstakingly created, every choice thoughtfully considered. This level of detail is a testament to the extensive, intricate, and careful planning that went into its creation. Unlike many films today, “Satisfaction” was developed over a long period, with the script undergoing more than 110 revisions across eight years. During this time, it was refined through a live theater workshop with Burunova and multiple sets of actors. An impressive five years were dedicated to creating storyboards and keyframes. Emma Laird worked closely with the director for six months, even learning piano as part of her preparation. Laird and Whitehead shared an Airbnb to foster a strong connection; actors would occasionally drop by (in character) as friends, helping deepen the stars’ understanding of their roles.

The production seems quite elaborate for an independent film, yet it successfully develops a realistic and well-rounded relationship between Laird and Whitehead’s characters. This movie is exceptionally truthful and visually captivating, reminiscent of Antonioni with hints of Akerman. It also showcases one of the standout performances of the year so far, as Emma Laird convincingly portrays Lola, avoiding the stereotype of a manic pixie dream girl that she might have become in different hands.

To put it simply, “Satisfaction” offers a raw and truthful portrayal of trauma’s origin and resolution. Unlike many films that sensationalize such topics, this one echoes the stark stillness experienced by its lead characters. However, despite its lack of melodrama, it is a deeply moving film that will leave you emotionally shattered, much like the protagonist. Yet, in the end, it provides a pathway to healing, just as she does. “Satisfaction” made its world debut at the 2025 South by Southwest Film Festival and will be screened again on March 11th and 15th. For more details and showtimes, click here.

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2025-03-08 02:02