Directed by Lithuanian filmmaker Marija Kavtaradz\u0117<\/a>, Slow<\/strong> <\/em>won her the Best Director award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and was a candidate for Best International Feature at the recent 96th Academy Awards competition. The film is a joint production by Lithuanian, Spanish, and Swedish entities.
Though Elena and Dovydas experience a \u201clove at first sight\u201d connection from the very beginning, things get complicated when Dovydas confesses to Elena that he is essentially asexual, which he defines as not being sexually attracted to anyone. This does not, however, derail their relationship, even when it\u2019s tinged by jealousy and hints of infidelity. And, as the camera records their graphic liaisons in the bedroom, it\u2019s clear that hormones are very much a part of the choreography for both of them.<\/p>\r\n
![\"Slow](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Slow4.png\")
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\u00a9Courtesy of Kimstim Films<\/p>\r\n
Both protagonists seem ideally suited for their roles in this impressive sophomore film. Greta Grinevi\u010di\u016bt\u0117,<\/a> who plays Elena, is a noted choreographer in her own right, having directed numerous dance productions in her native Lithuania, where she cofounded the acclaimed B&B dance company. K\u0119stutis Cic\u0117nas<\/a>, who plays Dovydas, has appeared as an actor in numerous productions by the Lithuanian Academy of Drama.<\/p>\r\n The official synopsis for Slow<\/strong> <\/em>describes the film as one that shows off the director\u2019s \u201cmuscular intimacy skills.\u201d Choreography, in other words, is as valuable in the bedroom as on the stage. The synopsis continues by noting how Elena uses \u201cdance, tense quietude, and [a] stunningly singular exploration of asexuality\u201d in order to express what is, ultimately, a raw physicality. By skillfully juxtaposing scenes from Elena’s dance productions into the narrative, the director gives viewers valuable glimpses into the couple’s own dances with desire. \u00a9Courtesy of Kimstim Films<\/p>\r\n
Slow<\/em> <\/strong>is ultimately a love story, though, which is what gives this sensitively wrought production its lasting appeal. Asked for her motivation in making the film, Marija Kavtaradz\u0117<\/a> was quoted by Sundance as saying: \u201cHard to say one, because it was like a puzzle \u2014 reading, scrolling, watching films, talking to people. I had topics that interested me, characters that I liked, but didn\u2019t know that they were from the same story. At some point, it all just came together. My biggest desire was to tell a love story.\u201d<\/p>\r\n![\"Slow](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Slow3.png\")
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