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6.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Another Language remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like movies that make your skin crawl because they feel a little too much like your own family gatherings, then yes, watch this. It’s for people who enjoy character-driven misery. If you want something light or fast-paced, you’ll probably hate it. It moves at the speed of a very long, very awkward Tuesday.
The whole thing hinges on Helen Hayes as Stella. She has this way of looking around a room that tells you she’s already figured out everyone is a phony. It’s a quiet performance, but it’s sharp. Like a papercut.
The middle of this movie is just a dinner scene that feels like it lasts for three years. Every time someone speaks, you just want to reach through the screen and tell Stella to run. The way the mother, played by Louise Closser Hale, maneuvers the conversation is honestly impressive and terrifying. She doesn't even raise her voice. She just knows exactly where to poke to make people feel small.
I found myself staring at the background extras during the party scenes. There’s one guy in the corner who looks like he’s having a minor existential crisis while eating a sandwich. It’s distracting, but maybe that’s the point? Or maybe he just really wanted to go home.
Watching this made me think of the tone in The Darling of Paris, though they are obviously very different worlds. Both movies have this way of making you feel like an outsider looking into a place you definitely don't want to be.
There is a moment near the end where a vase gets broken. It’s so small, but the way the family reacts—like it’s a national tragedy—perfectly sums up the whole movie. They care about their stuff, their rules, and their 'language' more than the actual person sitting right in front of them.
Honestly, I needed a walk after this. It’s a bit suffocating. Maybe that's a compliment? It certainly doesn't let you off the hook. It just sits there, heavy and real. 🏠☕