An unusual film from subject matter to direction but it fits with what the Academy would nominate for Best Picture.

The settings, wardrobe, and cinematography—especially shot composition and framing—are strong, obvious standouts. Everything is bathed in vibrant, often overtly thematic colors except when there’s no color at all (and that’s thematic, too).

Dialogue isn’t a major focus here and its problems are mostly washed away in the film’s flowing current of weird. It still manages to surprise with pithy puns and unexpected utterances.

Emma Stone’s performance is excellent; Bella was not an easy character to play and Stone gave herself fully to the role. Her Best Actress nom is well deserved. Mark Ruffalo delivers a boisterous and nuanced performance; it’s so refreshing to see him outside of the MCU. Willem Dafoe is on point, as usual, and is very much at home in this kind of art house production.

Solid overall. It will force you to think about its themes so its not a turn your brain off activity. I imagine those who don’t like it will find the experience gratuitous, possibly uncomfortable, and maybe even obtuse. Regardless, it’s safe to say you haven’t seen a movie that looks and feels like this one before.