What You're Signing Up For

In true minimalist fashion, Eliseo Subiela’s 2008 drama Don’t Look Down clocks in at a brisk one hour and twenty minutes, and has an R rating. The synopsis tells us the story of a young man who learns the art of tantric lovemaking from a “sexy Spanish Siren” named Elvira. It’s not your average meet-cute or grand gesture. We are immediately thrown into the intimacy of the characters’ journey, and although genres are labeled as Drama and Romance, don’t expect a typical narrative. Expect things to get philosophical. The focus is on Eloy’s internal journey and spiritual awakening. This is a film that is all about the characters, more specifically Leandro Stivelman as Eloy and Antonella Costa as Elvira. Its sensuality and spirituality draw comparisons to the works of art-house greats like Lars Von Trier and Carlos Reygadas. This is a journey of self-discovery, spiritual growth, and sexual liberation, not a traditional narrative. It’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re in the mood for something soulful and contemplative with a bit of a challenge, this film is for you.

The Viewing Experience: Pacing and Playback

"Don't Look Down" is an 80-minute movie, making it ideal for a lunch break viewing. The movie isn't rushed, and it provides ample time for both intimate scenes and philosophical dialogues. This is a movie that requires some attention from the audience. Many of the scenes in the movie are shot in a close-up manner, requiring the audience to pay attention to small nuances, and on an Android phone, which is what I used, it captures the emotions of the characters well. Because the movie takes a personal journey of Eloy, some of the higher concepts of the movie, may take some time to resonate with the audience, and the linear-narrative structure of the movie may take some time to interpret, the movie may be a test of audience's patience.

Highs and Lows: My Hands-On Take

I was very impressed by the film's single-mindedness to its central theme during my hands-on test. Elvira is performed by Antonella Costa, who is both alluring and grounded, allowing us a glimpse into a performance that soars above mere titillation. The film wallows in its R-rating and sensuality, bringing in ideas of Tantric philosophy in an effort to intellectualize and justify its exploitation. In providing a philosophical backdrop, it refrains from feeling purely exploitative. It explores the territory of philosophy and higher thought, but its brevity means that not all ideas get their due and their full potential is not realized. Some critics expressed concern that in people’s efforts to engage with the more “serious” themes of the film, they may end up alienating the more salacious audience who may appreciate the film on a purely base, sensory level. According to Audience Score (5.7/10) on IMDB, the audience agrees the film is unsuccessful in its attempt to merge these three themes of drama, romance, and spirituality. Although the film teeters at times into abstract territory, it explores its themes with artistic bravery and boldness. The few ideas it presents are carried largely by the performances, especially that of Costa.

Screen Test: Where This Story Shines

Because of its focus on subtle internal emotions and expressive physicality, "Don't Look Down" is better experienced in a larger format. Big screen TVs immerse you in the striking cinematography and subtle shifts in character dynamics. This is a good example of the style of filmmaking applied here, in which case the larger canvas works even more to your advantage. When filmed on the PC, you get a close-up and personal experience which could cater to the audience member desiring an introspective drama, as is the case here, with little or no distractions. "Don't Look Down" is perfectly watchable on Android, considering its length, but because a lot of the cinematography is composed of subtle shifts and touches, and intimate close-ups of the actors, many of the subtleties of the film are lost on the phone's small display. For the experience to be closer to what the filmmaker intended, I would recommend a home theater or at least a good PC Monitor. The details of Elvira's Lessons in Erotic Tantra to Eloy are best shown on the larger format.

The Download Decision

Should you spend 80 minutes of your life on Cocoflix with “Don’t Look Down”? If you appreciate movies that feature complicated, non-linear relationships and present ideas surrounding sexuality in a thought-provoking and philosophical manner, then yes. This movie is not for the average viewer. There is no proper beginning, middle, and end and it can definitely feel slow at times. Overall, I felt that the movie was fantastic at making the viewer consider spiritual and sexual awakening. This is definitely a movie that is stylistic and aesthetically pleasing and is truly appreciated when viewed in that fashion. For a brief time commitment, this was definitely the most potent movie I have seen in a while and I'd say it's definitely a must watch. Not in the traditional sense, as this is certainly not for everyone, but in the sense that it asks for you to think, provides an experience that you can appreciate, and leaves you feeling… something.