Robbie Richardson’s bold and melancholic drama delves into the depths of grief through the eyes of a young man named Noah, portrayed by Noah Corbett. Following the tragic loss of his girlfriend, Noah finds himself retreating into the recesses of his own mind, severing ties with his once vibrant zest for life. Richardson’s decision to infuse the narrative with a somber tone is strikingly evident, juxtaposed against the radiant happiness depicted in the opening scene shared with his beloved.
The film’s atmosphere is accentuated by its minimalist approach, employing black and white cinematography and a partially silent narrative. While this lends an experimental edge to the production, it also creates a challenge in fully engaging with the storyline, at times feeling more akin to a music video than a traditional narrative film. However, Richardson’s choice to utilize a glam rock soundtrack, particularly David Bowie’s iconic ‘Life on Mars’, proves to be a masterstroke, adding depth and dimension to the emotional journey depicted on screen.
Noah Corbett’s portrayal of Noah is undoubtedly the film’s standout feature, capturing the essence of loss and the constriction of joy with remarkable nuance. Despite the limitations of a low-budget production, the cinematography remains commendable, and the editing is skillfully executed. The strategic use of color and black and white sequences adds visual interest, although it may feel somewhat overplayed at times.
While Richardson’s ‘Desolate’ may falter in its narrative engagement and occasionally veer towards a music video aesthetic, it ultimately delivers a poignant exploration of grief and the human experience, propelled by Noah Corbett’s commendable performance and Richardson’s directorial vision.
