Quality Time

The 2017 film, Quality Time, directed by Daan Bakker and stars Steve Aernouts, Idar Andersen, Maja Baaserud. It's a strikingly unique Dutch comedy-drama with whimsical storytelling that seeks to embark on a journey questioning our conventional understanding of identity, adolescence, and the passing of time.

Quality Time is a mesmerizing exploration of five interconnected stories, each with a distinct style and narrative approach. Every tale recounts the journey of a man in his thirties while narrating their deepest fears, fantasies, and vulnerabilities.

The first segment is presented in a minimalistic and simplistic style baring striking drawings and still images. The second displays a first-person or 'POV' approach, creating an intense subjective experience for the audience. The third part of the story unfolds in a more traditional cinematic style while the final two parts employ the avant-garde mockumentary and absurdist black-and-white style of presentation.

The film opens with Koen, played by Steve Aernouts, who on New Year's morning wakes up to find himself in the past after a self-improvement experiment goes awry. Through the second character, Stefaan's (Thomas Ryckewaert) eyes, we look into the disoriented world of a man who underwent a skiing accident. His journey of reclaiming his memory and identity ensues, confined to the limits of his subjective camera view.

Then unfolds the life of Kjell (Kris Cuppens), a man battling a mid-life crisis. His desperate endeavors of reclaiming his lost youth and making sense of the passing adulthood become the focal point of the narrative.

Fourth comes the self-proclaimed time traveler, Karel (Tom Vermeir), whose futile yet fascinating attempts to communicate with his younger self act as a mirror to the folly of living in our past.

We lastly meet Jef (Pepijn Caudron), grappling with his mediocrity and the gnawing feeling of time slipping away from his hands. His monotonous everyday life is elevated to an exploratory journey that is equally absurd yet poignant.

This enlightening drama sweeps you into a world where these five men, unraveling their lives, instigate a discussion on how time can, without remorse, shape and change us. It cleverly reflects upon the intersections of life's sundry complexities, the perils of living in the past, and anxieties linked with existential crisis. The portrayal of these characters at different phases of their lives perfectly highlights one's struggle with the rigid structure of societal norms.

With Quality Time, Bakker ensures that neither does the seriousness of the theme make the narrative burdening nor does the eccentricity take away the depth of the characters, thereby masterfully blurring the lines between witty humor and profound contemplation. He demonstrates that life can often be a paradoxical experience of absurdity and profoundness at the same time.

Subdued performances from the cast help to maintain the haunting yet charming essence of each character, and every performance is as essential as the script. The music and cinematography of Quality Time complement the film's various storytelling forms, incorporating a blend of styles, from minimalistic animations to traditional film narratives, further enhancing the unpredictable nature of the film.

Quality Time demands patient viewing and offers a rewarding experience for those willing to embrace its unusual narrative style. It's not a movie that will cater to the taste of every audience, but if you're someone who enjoys cinema that pushes boundaries and takes creative risks, then Quality Time is a sure delight.

Sprinkled with surreal elements and varying degrees of humor, Quality Time is a brilliant commentary on the human condition. The film challenges the conventional perception of age, self-worth, and personal identity, all the while creating a stunning storytelling experience that lingers on after the curtains close.

Each story is a grand collection of moments that underline the absurdity of life. Yet, they ring true and evoke a sense of relatability – making Quality Time a vibrant celebration of the universal human experience.