After years of distance, Artemis has to get back to Athens due to her father’s frail state of health. Discovering her father’s well-kept secret allows Artemis to understand her father, in a way she was not able before, therefore love him truly for the first time.
Jacqueline Lentzou’s debut feature “Moon, 66 Questions,” focuses on the relationship between a father and daughter who’ve been estranged for years. Combining old home-videos with images of astronomy and astrology, she weaves a diary-like narrative. Throughout the film, Tarot cards are displayed in between scenes, marking different phases of the universe and the story’s developments.
Artemis (Sofia Kokkali) travels back to Athens upon learning that her father Paris (Lazaros Georgakopoulos), has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. After settling into her childhood room, she navigates the awkward and emotional journey of caring for a man she barely knows. Occasionally, their extended family shows up to comically complain while chain-smoking and snacking, further alienating the pair. Paris’ quiet performance as a man losing control of his body is effective as is Artemis’, with moments of introspection and loud childish outbursts.
At times, certain shots resemble old paintings and other famous works of art. When Artemis is cleaning out moldy food, the items are framed like they could be displayed in a renowned gallery. And in one scene with visiting relatives, they’re arranged like a goofily rendered version of “The Last Supper.”
Besides art and family matters, there’s a great interest in philosophy and outer space. Conversations and angles also mirror the universe’s incalculable order and chaos with events moving from stagnant to the unexpected. In an astounding scene, constellations and the orbiting planets appear in a telescopic time-lapse before being blended into a spectacular orb.
Why would you want to watch a film about aging and getting sick? Well, it’s entertainingly told, and I think the more people caring about seniors or acknowledging mortality is a great thing. Also, the third act has a beautiful bombshell that’s authentic and quite rewarding. What an impressive first feature!
“Moon, 66 Questions” recently premiered at the 2021 71st Berlin Film Festival
