Cannes Critics’ Panel Day 9: Carlos Reygadas’ Post Tenebras Lux

In his short, and fruitful history with the Cannes Film Festival, Carlos Reygadas has managed with just three films manage to tease, antagonize and light fires under scores of Croisette attendees with a provocation of ideas and imagery and in the same token, has gathered much praise. The Caméra d’Or Special Distinction winner for Japon (2002), and now his third Main Comp entry after Battle in Heaven (2005) and Jury Prize winner for his masterful Silent Light (2007), this highly anticipated Post Tenebras Lux had everyone sitting in the same bandwagon with the film’s first sequences. Unfortunately, after the initial bliss and glee of an wonderment of a child who can barely speak as our guide in an open space and angry sky, many broke away from the film essay. Baffled, shocked and turned-off, the film thwarts easy answers and instead, directs towards more questions. A tough nut to crack, if there is any nut to crack for that matter, this art-house film in the purest sense drew boos and jeers. Our panel are thinking along the same lines. Click the image below.