Luzzu - Van of Theseus
Thoughts On: Luzzu (2021)
Made by Alex Camilleri, this is the Maltese film of the series.
Simple and poignant, Luzzu channels the soul of many powerful 'man v world' films, such as Rust and Bone, Bicycle Thieves and The Lobster. It portrays with such accuracy the malaise of the lonesome; a character lost in life, aware of his direction and value, but with no manifestation of success. It surmises itself with the familiar Boat of Theseus complication, asserting that the soul of something is what remains and is made of change. We then see a fisherman come to understand that he has inherited and built in the world a desire and capacity to help and feed others. His literal vessel cannot carry him where he wishes to go, however, until he realises the road he is attempting to travel. Stepping into the shadow of the fishing industry, yet with integrity and caution, our character emerges fortified and changed for the times. Such a pleasure it is then to watch Luzzu; a story of coming to strength and realising who one is beyond psychology. A little gem well worth watching.
