Melbourne IFF 2024: The Damned (by Roberto Minervini) | Review
Roberto Minervini’s alternate take on war in The Damned is a rare sight that speaks volumes.
My teacher once told me that we can only envision a small dot of a historical occurrence, leaving a million other dots concealed. Roberto Minervini carefully examines one of those hidden dots—an unmarked territory that holds something profoundly humane.
The Damned is set during the American Civil War in 1862, where a group of volunteer Union soldiers is sent to patrol and guard the uncharted Western territories. Minervini offers an experimental vision of an alternate possibility—not concerning the outcomes of the war, but rather the internal journeys of the troop members themselves. The whole troop supports each other as they prepare, with deliberations taking an unconventional path. More like a zoomed-in character study, this narrative progression places each troop member at the center of attention, highlighting multiple generations and their unique characteristics, where each has their own story to tell.
Blending fiction and documentary, the conversations are realistically oriented, with philosophical and hopeful undertones that explore the characters in meaningful ways. Bernat Fortiana’s tranquil sound design creates a quiet yet astounding atmosphere, cultivating a therapeutic experience for the soldiers and reflecting the purpose of their involvement. This evolves into a practical journey of discovering the true meaning of life amid the dangers of war.
The film isn’t concerned with the violence of war, as depicted in John Huston’s The Red Badge of Courage, nor with romanticism, as shown in Victor Fleming’s Gone with the Wind. Instead, it progresses slowly with a nuanced approach, much like a poem, reminiscent of the pacing in films by Terrence Malick and David Lowery. Prayers serve as a guiding force for the soldiers, and their focused engagement and alliance allow them to revisit their own mistakes, examining each other’s strengths and weaknesses to understand their bitter pasts and experiences. It conveys the impression that everyone who has reached this point carries a multitude of questions within them, ultimately leading to a search for resolution. The times of uncertainty help them gather personal space, leading to a “mental and psychological pilgrimage” to find closure.
However, the enduring truth is that war never selects its victims based on their traits or beliefs—everyone becomes a target. Desires become hollow, and the quest for life’s purpose doesn’t end, even at the final moment—reflecting the film’s title. They wonder within themselves, “What’s there to lose when life is at stake? What’s the purpose of living?”
The film’s serene observation of human emotions and nuanced structure speaks volumes, ultimately earning Minervini the Best Director award at Cannes this year. The Damned delves into the process of gaining and losing self-acceptance in the face of choices, losses, and transformations. It might just be an expedition that liberates everyone, finding enlightenment as a source of escapism amid the chaos that surrounds them.
The Damned is currently showcased at the Melbourne International Film Festival 2024 whose audiences are also enjoying titles such as Black Dog, Norah, Armand, Motel Destino, La Cocina and Simon of the Mountain, among others.
