The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling, and film enthusiasts are gathering outside Alice Tully Hall and the Walter Reade Theater as New York welcomes the fall season with the latest installment of the New York Film Festival. Since its inception in 1963 with the screening of Luis Buñuel’s “The Exterminating Angel,” the festival has celebrated international artists, and this year is no different with films from various countries such as Brazil, Spain, India, South Korea, Benin, Palestine, and more including “Stranger Eyes” from Singapore, “Harvest” from the U.K., and “Who by Fire” from Canada.
In Yeo Siew Hua’s “Stranger Eyes,” a family’s tragedy becomes the focal point of a deeper exploration into modern isolation and surveillance culture. The film follows the grieving parents of a missing child as they uncover a mysterious DVD that reveals someone has been watching them closely. As the emotional tension builds, the characters are driven to desperate actions, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation about their neighbor’s voyeuristic behavior.
“Stranger Eyes” delves into the effects of constant surveillance and the longing for connection in a digitally saturated world. The film challenges viewers to consider the impact of our heightened visibility and the loss of privacy in today’s society.
Meanwhile, Athina Rachel Tsangari’s “Harvest” transports audiences to medieval England, where a village is torn apart by fear, paranoia, and xenophobia. Through the experiences of its characters, the film offers a moody reflection on the destructive power of prejudice and capitalism, drawing parallels to contemporary issues of displacement and discrimination.
Moving to present-day Canada, Philippe Lesage’s “Who By Fire” presents a poignant coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of the country’s wilderness. The film intertwines the lives of two old friends with a group of teenagers, exploring themes of friendship, love, and emotional turmoil in a beautifully orchestrated ensemble drama.
Through their distinct narrative approaches and visual styles, these three films offer thought-provoking reflections on human relationships, societal tensions, and the complexities of modern life. Audience members at the New York Film Festival are in for a cinematic treat as they explore the diverse perspectives and compelling stories showcased in this year’s lineup.