Well (2016)
10/10
A Dark and Gritty Masterpiece of Action-Adventure Drama
19 August 2023
Primal (original title: Kút) is a 2016 Hungarian action-adventure drama film directed by Attila Gigor. The film is set in a remote gas station in the middle of nowhere, where a young man named Laci (Péter Jankovics) arrives to meet his long-lost father Mihály (Ferenc Pusztai). On the same day, a van carrying four prostitutes and their handlers breaks down at the same gas station. The prostitutes are on their way to Switzerland for a better life, but they soon realize that they have fallen into a deadly trap. The film follows the events that unfold in the next three days as Laci tries to reconnect with his father while also dealing with the violent and unpredictable gang.

Primal is a masterpiece of action-adventure drama that deserves a 5-star rating for its excellent direction, acting, cinematography, sound, and story. The film is a dark and gritty exploration of themes such as revenge, family, survival, and morality. The film has a minimalist style that relies on natural lighting, long takes, and sparse dialogue. The cinematography creates a sense of isolation and tension as the characters are trapped in a desolate landscape with no escape. The sound design also adds to the atmosphere of danger and suspense as gunshots, explosions, and screams echo throughout the gas station.

The acting is superb as the actors deliver realistic and nuanced performances. Jankovics portrays Laci as a naive and innocent young man who is caught in a web of lies and violence. He shows his vulnerability and confusion as he tries to understand his father's motives and actions. Pusztai plays Mihály as a complex and conflicted father who has a dark past and a hidden agenda. He reveals his guilt and remorse as he tries to protect his son from harm. The four actresses who play the prostitutes also give convincing and sympathetic performances as they show their hopes, fears, and struggles. They display their courage and resilience as they fight for their freedom and dignity.

The story is engaging and unpredictable as it keeps the audience guessing what will happen next. The film has a nonlinear structure that uses flashbacks and flash-forwards to reveal more information about the characters and their motivations. The film also has some surprising twists and turns that challenge the expectations of the audience. The film does not shy away from showing the brutality and cruelty of human nature as it depicts graphic scenes of violence and torture.

The film has a strong message about the consequences of revenge and the importance of forgiveness. The film shows how revenge can consume people's lives and lead to more suffering and destruction. The film also shows how forgiveness can heal wounds and restore relationships. The film uses symbols such as water to represent life and fire to represent death.

Primal is one of the best Hungarian films I have seen and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes films that are original, creative, and challenging. Primal is not for the faint-hearted as it contains scenes of violence and gore that may disturb some viewers. However, for those who enjoy films that are dark, intense, and thought-provoking, Primal is a must-see.

I give Primal 5 out of 5 stars for its excellent direction, acting, cinematography, sound, and story.
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