Blind

Written and directed by Eskil Vogt, Blind details the slice-of-life exploits of a recently-blinded woman (Ellen Dorrit Petersen’s Ingrid) and the various oddball figures surrounding her. First-time filmmaker Vogt does an excellent job of initially establishing the central character and her almost sterile environs, and it’s clear, too, that the movie benefits from Vogt’s ongoing emphasis on relatable, sympathetic elements (eg the continuing exploits of an internet-pornography-addicted character who desperately wants to make a human connection with someone). It’s disappointing to note, then, that Blind fizzles out demonstrably as it progresses, as it does become increasingly clear that most occurrences and characters stem from the protagonist’s imagination – to the point where the viewer isn’t sure if anything beyond Ingrid herself is real or actually happening. There’s little doubt, as a result, that it becomes virtually impossible to work up the slightest bit of interest in the characters’ comings and goings (ie are any of these people real?), which naturally paves the way for a second half that couldn’t possibly be less involving or entertaining. Blind’s palpable failure is especially disappointing given the potential of its first act, and it does seem, perhaps, that Vogtsimply bit off more than he could chew with this misguided premise and storyline.

*1/2 out of ****