A Spell to Ward Off the Darkness

εξώτερο Διάστημα

Had the synopsis been more precise in saying that the man's not just a man, but Robert A.A. Lowe of Lichens and Om fame (Advaitic Songs ♥), I wouldn't have waited a whole aeon to watch it. Nice film, nice music, only tainted by the gnawing feeling that the social security system around these parts is so lousy, one would find it strenuous to swing their life away in a backwoods hippie communa. An incentive for change.

Slow Immersion [Joe]

It still stands in my top 10 films of all time. Transcendent work, and a masterful collaboration between two of the most interesting auteurs in film today. From the outset in which is most likely my favourite scene in narrative cinema, the shimmering reflections as night becomes, to the beautiful solitude and landscapes, to the lingering camera and beautifully captured BM gig and the faces of the crowd. An experience

Endless Eye

Hypnotic and engrossing. I had to check out Lichens immediately after watching. You feel like a silent participant throughout the meandering course of events, arriving and disappearing from nowhere.

adrianmendizabal

Primal! It builds on sheets of emotional layers. Such a wondrous play of aural and visual dimensions. The black metal scene seems to take you back to the tribal music scene of the past.

Jason

Two titans of the avant garde cine-dirge bring us a new kind of reservedly ecstatic descent into psychospiritual hinterlands. Having watched films by both, I have often noticed a kinship w/ the Werner Herzog who most consistently finds himself approaching fuzzy horizons where documentary and fiction melt together. I feel like Fata Morgana, especially, is a big influence for both Russell and Rivers. A real trip.

msmichel

Ethno-trance film from co-directors Russell and Rivers that follows Robert A.A. Lowe through three very different ways of living in Estonia, Finland and Norway. Communal living; solitary foraging; and playing in a death metal band! Rewarding for some, deathly dull for others.

Chiara Marañón

Closest I've been to transforming into a werewolf.

George B

Could not get through this. The first part with the naked hippies was alright. Then the guy is in his little canoe for like 10 minutes. Oh we also watch him read a book. Then we look at some ants. More boat. Now he's hiking. Now let's stare at some plants for a while. Now he plays in a band. Kill me. Seriously.