filmobserver 
Within the cinematic realm, the advent of pandemic-themed films has sparked a blend of eager anticipation and cautious apprehension among both viewers and critics. When esteemed filmmaker Olivier Assayas delved into this thematic landscape with his latest creation, “Suspended Time,” there was a collective expectation for a nuanced exploration of the human psyche amidst the backdrop of pandemic-induced monotony. However, as the curtains closed and the credits rolled, a palpable sense of disillusionment and detachment permeated the audience’s reception.
An Ambiguous Prelude
“Suspended Time” unravels as a canvas portraying the lives of two brothers, Paul and Etienne, navigating the uncharted waters of pandemic-induced isolation within the confines of their familial abode. Assayas skillfully introduces us to a realm saturated with introspection and existential contemplation, where the ordinary coalesces with the profound in unforeseen ways. Yet, despite the latent potential for profound introspection, the film often strays into the realm of aimless wanderings, leaving spectators yearning for a more coherent narrative structure.
Traversing the Landscape of Uncertainty
At the heart of the film lies the interplay between Paul and Etienne, depicted with a depth and nuance befitting the talents of Vincent Macaigne and Micha Lescot, respectively. As the brothers grapple with divergent perspectives on the vagaries of lockdown existence, Assayas endeavors to dissect the intricacies of sibling dynamics against the backdrop of an ever-evolving world. However, while Lescot delivers a compelling portrayal of the stoic and pragmatic Etienne, the character of Paul often appears underdeveloped, lacking the requisite depth and resonance to anchor the film’s emotional core.
A Symphony of Isolation
Throughout the cinematic journey of “Suspended Time,” Assayas weaves a visual tapestry oscillating between moments of ethereal beauty and mundane banality. Eric Gautier’s cinematography infuses each frame with an otherworldly grandeur, capturing the serenity of the French countryside with breathtaking precision. Yet, despite the visual splendor, the film grapples with translating these aesthetic flourishes into substantive narrative arcs, leaving audiences adrift in a sea of ambivalence and uncertainty.
Lost in Translation: Exploring the Boundaries of Self-Reflection
At its essence, “Suspended Time” serves as a contemplation on the inexorable passage of time and the existential quandaries it engenders. Through Paul’s introspective monologues and Etienne’s philosophical musings, Assayas beckons viewers to confront their mortality and the transient nature of human existence. However, in its relentless pursuit of profundity, the film often loses its narrative bearings, resulting in a disjointed and unfocused cinematic experience.
The Final Verdict: A Misstep in Assayas’ Illustrious Canon
In summation, “Suspended Time” emerges as a confounding addition to Olivier Assayas’ storied filmography. While punctuated by moments of visual grandeur and fleeting emotional resonance, the film ultimately falls short of its lofty aspirations, succumbing to the pitfalls of pretension and self-indulgence. For aficionados of Assayas’ oeuvre, “Suspended Time” may prove to be a disappointing departure from the director’s established aesthetic. Nevertheless, for those willing to brave its narrative meanderings, the film offers occasional glimpses into the human condition amidst the tumult of pandemic-induced confinement.
