The Waiter

Set in the bustling urban landscape of Athens, the 2018 film The Waiter is a thrilling depiction of solitude, mystery, and hidden identities. Directed by Steve Krikris, the film is a compelling journey into the unassuming life of the titular character, who negotiates the complexities of his ordinary existence with an extraordinary calmness that is poetically somber.

Aris Servetalis delivers a standout performance as the protagonist Renos, a middle-aged man who leads a rather separate life. Toiling away at a rundown restaurant, Renos plays the perfect epitome of a solitary existence- far detached from the vibrant city life that surrounds him. His simple life predominantly revolves around his cleanly and meticulously organised apartment and his rigorous yet repetitive work as a waiter at Zucca restaurant.

Krikris makes an exceptional narrative choice as he introduces Giannis Stankoglou as the main protagonist's solitary friend, a man whose life is shrouded by his mysterious past which creates an air of intriguing obscurity around their relationship. Renos's uneventful life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with a guest at his restaurant, played by the engrossing Alexandros Mavropoulos. The encounter triggers a sequence of events that thrust Renos into the midst of a murder mystery.

Adopting an artistic style that captivates the audiences' senses, The Waiter carefully unfolds the multiple layers of its narrative with a steady pace, playing out like an aesthetically pleasing noir, coupled with intensely vivid visuals. Every shot through the lens of Krikris appears meticulously composed and eye-catchingly vibrant. The unusual usage of color and light combined with the gritty scenery of urban Athens succeeds in creating a riveting visual spectacle that adds to the mystic ambiance of the plot.

Amidst the thrill of the unfolding mystery, the film beautifully captures Renos's journey from mundane routine to being entangled in a swirl of chilling proportions. Parsing through his ordinary world, the viewers are introduced to a myriad of complex emotions that are unveiled as Renos confronts the crisis that touches him on a deeply personal level. Servetalis performs this transformation with so much subtlety and grace, creating an air of eventful anticipation throughout the film.

Audiences can expect suspense and intrigue handled with a masterful touch by Krikris. The film adeptly walks a treacherous tightrope between drama and mystery, cultivating high suspense without compromising on emotion or authenticity. All through the story, the director maintains an atmosphere of restrained tension, subtly laying breadcrumbs for viewers to follow through the unfolding narrative, leading them deeper into the labyrinth that is Renos's altered life.

The film, however, is more than a spellbinding mystery. Delving beneath the surface of the thrilling plot, The Waiter philosophizes on the deeper aspects of identity, loneliness, and existential dread. These mature themes allow for a rich viewing experience, where audiences are beckoned to delve into their interpretations, drawing meaning beyond the presented narrative.

The cinematography of The Waiter is particularly commendable. Its aesthetically appealing frames perfectly capture the urban bleakness against which the story unfurls. The uncanny juxtaposition of Renos's orderly life with his chaotic external environment calls for visually compelling storytelling, adding an extra layer to the plot. Moreover, the stark contrast between Renos's mundane routine and the eerie decrepitude of the city paint a bloody image of an urban jungle, setting the perfect stage for the mystery to evolve.

The supporting cast, including stalwarts like Stankoglou and Mavropoulos, deliver compelling performances, breathing life into the twisted characters of this alluring narrative, making the entire film a treasure trove of outstanding acting.

In essence, The Waiter from 2018 directed by Steve Krikris is a cinematic achievement, delivering an engaging narrative rich in suspense, drama, and thrills, layered with deeper existential themes that resonate with audiences. With its outstanding cast and visually stunning cinematography, this movie stands as a testament to Krikrist's adept understanding of the cinematic art form. With its captivating allure and slow-burning suspense, The Waiter serves as a riveting gem for the lovers of mystery and drama cinema.