COR

“Every aspect of this film is superb and we can’t encourage readers enough to go and watch this film if you have the opportunity.”

2091. In an efficiency driven mega city and a world built out of concrete and neon, “II / IKI” experiences a disruption that triggers the search for her identity.

With more and more indie Sci-Fi films being made each year, it can be hard to stand out and achieve a look that’s fit for cinemas. Yet director Kilian Pohl does this masterfully with a total understanding of both visual filmmaking and storytelling. It’s clear to see where many of the films influences come from, but Pohl doesn’t lean on them too much and instead creates is own unique entry into the genre that viewers will really enjoy.

The locations, art direction, lighting, camera work, performances and everything in between is all of the highest standard. This film was clearly made by a team of very talented filmmakers and all understood the direction.

Lead actress Julia Strowski is enigmatic onscreen and was perfectly cast. She tackles the source material in the film with total clarity and handles the action scenes in the same way. The film really benefitted from having this talented actress to lead the film. The supporting cast also hold up and shine in their own right and make their mark.

The cinematography from DOP Magoo Sophie Meyer is breathtaking and some of the best we’ve seen, bar none. The use of light is used to great effect at creating a stylistic future within each location that is consistent and has a real world feel to it. The pace of the edit is slow and deserves to be so that we get to experience the stunning visuals and score. This is perfect example of less is more and Meyer keeps from constantly changing the frame for the sake of it and lets the performers tell the story.

As for the sublime score from Erik Fodi, it’s one that deserves plenty of acclaim. It’s delicate, subtle and immersive which elevates the visuals and story considerably which was not an easy task. The score perfectly compliments the film and expresses plenty of emotion in its own right. The score deserves to be listened to separately as it’s that good.

Every aspect of this film is superb and we can’t encourage readers enough to go and watch this film if you have the opportunity. If Pohl can continue making films of this calibre, the future is looking very bright for him and the team. Easy 5/5 stars for this terrific film…

— APEX Film Awards