Watched at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival
I'm sorry, but this movie really stinks. Creating a story about a misguided individual and exploring throughout their journey is a good concept as it offers an interesting take of a character study of a movie. Unfortunately Justin Lin fails to really serve its purpose and it ends up being more of a dull and rather frustrating experience.
John Allen Chau and what has happened to him is both frustrating and astonishing as the context of trying to spread religion to a group of uncivilized individuals is insanely idiotic, yet fascinating to know the fact that it actually happened. But it's clear Lin doesn't seem to understand how to handle some of the tone and atmosphere approaches. Implementing a narrative that is filled with traditional biographical cliches and messy structures, it lacks the emotional and focus impact it desires. Failing to really create an interesting observation about Chau and ends up being all over the place regarding what the message the movie wants to say. Is it want to sympathize with Chau or not? Because the direction and writing doesn't do a good job with it.
There are some good cinematography throughout which is one of the only good things about this movie. Unfortunately, the performances aren't very good and as much the actors are trying their best, their performances lack the emotional engagement and moment to shine. If you had known about Chau and read about what has happened, the narrative, character arches and development doesn't offer anything new.
I understand Justin Lin's approach to the story, but this one really doesn't work. I rather recommend Into the Wild or the documentary The Mission (2023).
