Apples: A Post-Pandemic Reflection

The Greek film “Apples” arrived on streaming services seemingly without fanfare. It’s a quiet, unsettling piece, a character study wrapped in a surreal, almost absurdist narrative. Initially, its thematic resonance with the COVID-19 pandemic feels accidental, a happy coincidence. However, a closer look reveals a deeper, more unsettling parallel than initially apparent. The film’s exploration of isolation, societal disruption, and the search for identity in a fractured world proves surprisingly relevant in a post-pandemic context.

The Unsettling Premise

The premise is deceptively simple. A man, identified only as Aris, wakes up in a hospital with amnesia. He’s part of a program designed to reintegrate individuals suffering from memory loss back into society. His task? To meticulously copy the actions of others, to essentially become a mirror image, absorbing their routines and identities to find his way. This immediately establishes a sense of unease, a feeling of displacement that mirrors the disorientation many experienced during the pandemic’s lockdowns.

The film masterfully uses this simple concept to explore profound themes. The constant imitation becomes a symbol of the societal restrictions imposed during lockdowns, the enforced separation from normal life, and the subsequent struggle to rediscover one’s place in the world. The deliberate lack of explanation regarding the cause of the widespread amnesia adds to the mystery, mirroring the initial uncertainty and confusion surrounding the pandemic’s origins and spread.

A Visual Echo of Lockdown

The cinematography plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s unsettling atmosphere. The stark visuals, often featuring empty city streets and desolate landscapes, reflect the emptiness and isolation experienced during periods of lockdown. The muted color palette further reinforces this sense of detachment, mirroring the psychological toll the pandemic took on individuals. The film’s overall visual style is minimalist yet highly effective, creating a chilling and memorable viewing experience.

The director’s use of long takes and slow pans across empty cityscapes creates a palpable sense of loneliness and alienation. These extended shots, often devoid of dialogue, leave the audience with ample time to absorb the unsettling atmosphere, allowing the visual narrative to speak volumes about the film’s themes. The almost clinical observation of Aris’s attempts to navigate this new reality mirrors the detached observation of the pandemic’s unfolding events.

The Weight of Imitation

Aris’s attempts to mimic the lives of others are not just comical; they’re deeply unsettling. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the inherent sadness in his situation. He’s not just imitating actions, he’s attempting to rebuild an identity that he’s lost. The constant mimicry, the desperate search for connection, becomes a poignant metaphor for the collective longing for normalcy during the pandemic. This subtle exploration of identity is one of the film’s most compelling aspects.

The weight of this imitation is palpable. The repetitive nature of the actions he copies, the constant struggle to fit in, highlights the frustration and the inherent difficulty in finding one’s place in a world that feels increasingly unfamiliar. It’s a quiet, understated portrayal of the struggle for identity in the face of upheaval, a feeling that resonates deeply with the pandemic experience.

Beyond the Pandemic Parallel

While the COVID-19 parallel is undeniable, “Apples” transcends its accidental allegory. The film explores universal themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Even without the pandemic context, the film stands on its own merit as a poignant and thought-provoking character study. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the fragility of identity and the enduring human need for connection.

The film subtly explores the disconnect between the individual and society, a sense of alienation that transcends the pandemic. It raises questions about the nature of identity, the role of societal structures, and the inherent human desire to belong. These are questions that resonate far beyond the specific circumstances of the pandemic, making “Apples” a timeless and relevant work.

The Strengths and Weaknesses of “Apples”

One of the film’s greatest strengths lies in its understated power. The film avoids melodrama, instead opting for a quiet, observational style that allows the themes to unfold organically. The performances are understated yet deeply affecting, particularly Aris’s portrayal of a man grappling with amnesia and the struggle to find his place in the world. The film’s minimalist approach enhances its impact, allowing the audience to fully engage with the character’s journey.

However, the film’s deliberate ambiguity might frustrate some viewers. The lack of clear explanations regarding the cause of the amnesia and the nature of the reintegration program might leave some wanting more. The film’s pacing is slow, and its deliberate lack of action might not appeal to all audiences. Despite these minor drawbacks, the film’s unique style and thought-provoking themes make it a compelling cinematic experience.

A Lanthimos-esque Vibe

The film’s unsettling atmosphere and deadpan humor evoke the work of Yorgos Lanthimos, albeit a lighter, less overtly satirical version. It shares a similar focus on unsettling scenarios and the exploration of human behavior in unusual circumstances. However, “Apples” lacks the biting wit and dark humor that characterize Lanthimos’s films. While it shares a stylistic kinship, “Apples” occupies a distinct space, offering a more melancholic and introspective exploration of its themes.

The comparison to Lanthimos, while apt in terms of style, also highlights a key difference. Lanthimos often uses absurdity to expose societal flaws. “Apples,” while certainly surreal, is more concerned with the individual’s struggle within that surreal context. It’s less a critique of society and more a meditation on the search for identity and belonging within a fractured world. This subtle shift in focus allows “Apples” to resonate on a more personal level.

A Thought-Provoking Experience

Despite its slow pace and potentially frustrating ambiguity for some, the film’s unique style and thematic depth make it a worthy watch. It’s a film that rewards patience and careful observation, offering a unique and memorable cinematic experience. It’s a film that stays with you, prompting reflections on isolation, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. Ultimately, “Apples” is a film that deserves to be seen and discussed.

• Strengths: Evocative visuals, understated performances, thought-provoking themes, unexpected relevance to the pandemic.
• Weaknesses: Slow pacing, ambiguous ending, might not appeal to audiences seeking action or clear resolution.

• Themes Explored: Identity, isolation, belonging, societal disruption, the search for meaning, the impact of trauma.
• Visual Style: Minimalist, stark, evocative use of empty spaces, muted color palette.