Out this week in cinemas is Bones and All. Starring Taylor Russell and Timothée Chalamet Bones and All is a twist on the coming-of-age story. When young Maren (Russell) is left alone by her father she strikes out into the world to try and find her mother. Along the way she meets strange and bizarre characters, learns more about herself and finds love in the most unexpected of places, on the road.
Bones and All is a film that I knew nothing about. I thought maybe it was a story of a young girl trying to fit in and finding a kindred spirit in Chalamet. This was not to be the case however as Maren heads over to a friend’s house for a sleepover at the beginning of the film. She begins bonding with another girl and events took a heated turn and not in the way you might think.
What Bones and All excels in is atmosphere. I was almost constantly on the edge of my seat. What Maren is at the centre in this story is quite unnerving and even when she finds solace with Lee (Chalamet) there is something breathing on the back of my neck waiting to strike. I couldn’t relax.
We’re dangerous
The characterisation of each character is also impressive. Maren is not the only character who goes on a journey in this film. Lee also finds himself changed as well. These two characters are in different places both mentally and spiritually. It’s impressive when you can see a physical change in the characters you are following. Maren started off skittish and unsure of herself as she didn’t know who she was. As she learns more about herself she finds a kind of strength from it and Russell is convincing as this girl who becomes a woman.
Technically the film is gorgeous. From its wind-swept landscapes to the shots of its leads in almost dreamlike poses Bones and All feels like a dream, or a nightmare depending on the scene. The score is eerie though and compliments the disturbing twists and turns the narrative takes. If I could say one element I appreciated but didn’t like if that makes sense, it is the sound editing in this film. It is above and beyond some of the most disturbing I’ve heard in a long time. Also, the visuals at times will potentially turn some audience members’ stomachs. It doesn’t shy away from its disturbing subject matter and I commend it for that. I will also say however that this film is not for the faint of heart.
Bones and All is a film I’m so glad I knew nothing about going and thankfully I was just strong enough to handle its darker moments. If you’re intrigued but feel you need preparation I recommend watching the trailer first before heading to the cinema.
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