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Louder Than Bombs

A complex, melancholic thrill ride

A widower (Gabriel Byrne) and his two sons (Jesse Eisenberg & Devin Druid) each try to deal with their inner fears and longings as they come to grips with the death of the mother, a famed war photographer (Isabelle Huppert). The structure is delicate and fragmented; as one might unpack a box of old memories and feelings. Norway’s Joachim Trier’s first English-language film addresses themes similar to 1980’s Ordinary People but eschews big cathartic moments in favor of nuanced psychological observations. This is for mature people and will reward those willing to invest the time, attention and emotion.

Japanese title: Haha no Zanzō (109 min)