Thou Wast Mild and Lovely

Thou Wast Mild and Lovely is an exceptional 2014 film that combines elements of psychological thriller, gothic horror, and romance genres, where the relationships between characters challenge the audience to question the fundamental human nature. Directed by Josephine Decker, the film's setting is a small, rural farm that becomes an intimate stage for the exploration of human psyche, desire, and personal demons.

The film stars Joe Swanberg, Sophie Traub, and Robert Longstreet, all of whom deliver stunning performances that bring depth and authenticity into this provocative narrative.

The story unfolds around Akin (played by Joe Swanberg), a married man who takes on a seasonal job at Jeremiah's (Robert Longstreet) remote farm. He hides the fact that he is married from Jeremiah and his daughter Sarah (Sophie Traub), creating an aura of secrecy and tension from the onset.

Sophie Traub delivers a captivating portrayal of Sarah, Jeremiah's seemingly innocent but peculiar daughter. Sarah’s character, with her intriguing combination of innocence and sensuality, immediately attracts Akin. She shares a unique bond with nature, which is emphasised through evocative scenes and insightful dialogue, adding layers to her character's depth and complexity. The intimate relationship that develops between her and Akin stands out as one of the most intriguing aspects of the plot.

Joe Swanberg's performance as Akin perfectly balances emotional withdrawal with a desperate yearning for something more, leading him into a world of guilt, fear, and attraction. His inherent longing for Sarah and his ethically questionable decision to hide his martial status sets the stage for the unsettling chain of events that are yet to unravel.

Meanwhile, Robert Longstreet's performance as Jeremiah, the eccentric and somewhat disturbing father figure, is equally enthralling. He masterfully plays Jeremiah with an underlying hint of menace that keeps the audience on edge throughout the film.

The movie's setting, a secluded farm in Kentucky, is almost a character in its own right. The natural elements are beautifully integrated into the narrative, contributing a profound impact on the film's intense and suspenseful atmosphere. It captures the beautiful yet menacing power of the natural world, and how this reflects on the human psyche.

Thou Wast Mild and Lovely conforms to no traditional classification—it morphs itself from romance to horror to psychosexual drama, keeping the audience constantly on its toes. Its strength lies in the unpredictability of its plot and the ambiguity of its characters. It showcases the power of human attraction, the depth of human emotions, and the extent of human darkness in a way that captivates from the start—an unsettling journey into human desire and the extent to which it can be taken.

Josephine Decker, the director, has courageously delved into experimental cinema with Thou Wast Mild and Lovely. This is seen in the unconventional camera angles and abstract imagery paired with a distinctive style of nonlinear storytelling. This leads to an immersive viewing experience that penetrates deeply into the mind. It enhances the film's peculiar, out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere, and allows Decker to present an unusually intimate depiction of twisted relationships and unchecked desires.

This unique cinematic venture is not just a story—it's an examination of the human condition and one that acknowledges and explores the darkness within. Although the narrative might revolve around the three main characters, the real protagonist is the human subconscious and its unrestrained desires.

Decker's control over the narrative, combined with the actors' brilliant performances and the hypnotic environment that seduces both the characters and the audience, makes Thou Wast Mild and Lovely an unforgettable cinematic experience. Its poetic title, a line borrowed from the song "My Old Kentucky Home," perfectly embodies the paradox of beauty and menace that is prevalent throughout the film.

Watching Thou Wast Mild and Lovely is like walking through a beautifully enchanting but eerie garden. As you progress, you realize that underneath the vibrant foliage and radiant colours lurks a world of secrets, nightmares, and untamed instincts—dark, disquieting, but equally fascinating. It is a unique exploration of human psychology that challenges convention and takes cinema to unexpected corners.