Everybody Knows Blu-ray Review

The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) of "Everybody Knows" on Blu-ray delivers an impressive visual quality, ensuring that viewers can appreciate the intricate details on screen. The presentation shines in capturing the emotional depth and aging of characters across different generations, embroiled in a tense investigation. Facial details are remarkably clear, allowing audiences to observe subtle expressions of fatigue and emotion, enhancing the storytelling. The texture of the film's environments, from ancient stone buildings to expansive vineyards, is meticulously preserved, adding to the movie's atmospheric setting. The visual depth of various locations is richly portrayed, immersing viewers in the story's setting.

Color reproduction on this Blu-ray is particularly noteworthy, with scenes bathed in golden sunlight that highlight the rustic charm of the countryside and its traditions. Costume design benefits from this visual treatment as well, with formal attire popping through the screen thanks to the use of vibrant primaries, which adds a layer of visual interest and helps in character differentiation. This attention to detail in color grading complements the thematic elements of the film, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

However, the video presentation is not without its minor flaws. Blacks tend to be slightly milky at times, which can affect scene delineation under certain lighting conditions. Although this issue is not pervasive enough to detract significantly from the visual quality, it's a point where there's room for improvement. Despite this minor gripe, the Blu-ray's AVC encoded image succeeds in delivering a compelling visual narrative that supports the film's intricate plot and character development.

The audio presentation of "Everybody Knows" on its Blu-ray release is anchored by a robust 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track that places a significant emphasis on capturing the nuance and intensity of the performances. Throughout the film, the viewer is treated to a rich tapestry of dialogue, with each word and emotional exchange presented with crystal-clear fidelity. The sound mix ensures that conversations are front and center, achieving an impeccable balance that allows for an immersive viewing experience. This clarity in dialogue delivery is essential, considering the film's reliance on the dynamic interactions between its cast to drive the narrative forward.

Music, though used with restraint, is another highlight of the audio experience. The soundtrack, when it does emerge, is characterized by its precision. Each selection fits the mood and moment, with the mix allowing for distinct instrumentation and vocal tracks to shine, thereby enriching the scenes they underscore. This meticulous attention to musical detail complements the film's overall mood, enhancing the emotional depth without overshadowing the primary focus on dialogue and performance.

Atmospherics play a crucial role in enveloping the listener, adding a layer of realism and depth to the movie's soundscape. The sounds of nature and the environment are conveyed with an enveloping sense of space, from the subtle rustling of leaves to the more pronounced patter of rain, each adding to the ambiance without overwhelming the primary audio elements. While low-frequency effects are used sparingly, their inclusion during certain moments—like the distinctive tolling of bells or the rumble of stormy weather—contributes a foundational heft to the auditory experience. This careful balancing act between dialogue, music, and atmospheric sounds crafts an auditory experience that is both nuanced and engaging, drawing the listener deeper into the film's emotive landscape.

The Blu-ray release of "Everybody Knows" notably lacks supplementary material, presenting a straightforward viewing experience without the added depth or context often provided by extras. This absence of additional content may leave those interested in behind-the-scenes insights and the filmmaking process wanting more, making the disc a basic choice for those solely focused on the film itself. The lack of extras means there is a missed opportunity to enhance viewers' engagement and understanding of this cinematic work through director commentary, cast interviews, or making-of features that are common in similar releases.

Extras included in this disc:

*Unfortunately, this release does not include any extras.

Asghar Farhadi, a filmmaker renowned for his intricate Iranian dramas such as "The Salesman" and "A Separation," ventures into slightly more global territory with "Everybody Knows," a Spanish-language drama that interweaves a kidnapping mystery with the dense fabric of familial and past relationships. Starring Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, the film elevates its international appeal yet remains true to Farhadi's hallmark of focusing on the nuanced dilemmas of the human condition rather than high-stakes action. "Everybody Knows" unfolds at a measured pace, allowing for a deep exploration of its characters’ internal battles and the complexities of their intertwined lives. This approach might not satiate those expecting a thriller filled with constant suspense, but it rewards viewers with a thoughtfully constructed narrative, bolstered by stellar performances across the board.

Set against the backdrop of a vibrant family wedding in rural Spain, the story follows Laura (played by Cruz), who returns from Argentina to her hometown, only for her celebration to turn into despair when her daughter Irene is suddenly kidnapped. Farhadi uses this crisis to peel away at the layers of family secrets, past loves (notably between Cruz's character and Bardem's Paco), and festering resentments, all while avoiding police involvement due to fears of retribution. The narrative deftly navigates through emotional and financial revelations—highlighted by the tension around a demanded ransom that reveals deeper financial strains within the community and between characters, particularly concerning Paco's vineyard, bought in desperate times from Laura's father.

Farhadi crafts "Everybody Knows" with a keen eye for emotional authenticity, leveraging Cruz and Bardem's exceptional performances to enrich the film’s fabric of complex characters caught in a web of secrecy and lies. The dynamic between Laura and Paco, intertwined with the pastoral life of the vineyard and the ghost of their past love, provides a poignant counterpoint to the main narrative thrust. The film meticulously builds suspense not through conventional thrills but through the unraveling of interpersonal relationships, with the specter of past crimes and familial bonds casting long shadows. This slow-burn thriller doesn’t just ask who the perpetrator is but delves deeply into how the fabric of community and family can be strained—or strengthened—by adversity.

Everybody Knows," directed by the acclaimed Asghar Farhadi, marks a compelling narrative journey that weaves through the complexities of human emotions and unresolved pasts, largely carried on the shoulders of its star-studded cast. While it might not reach the pinnacles of tension and psychological intricacy akin to Hitchcock's classics, Farhadi's craftsmanship shines in his reluctance to rush through the dramatic unease. This is a story deeply rooted in the convoluted mesh of long-standing relationships, making the film's emotional landscape as intriguing as its plot twists, even if some turns are foreseeable. The performances are notably remarkable; Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem bring depth and authenticity to their roles, while Barbara Lennie and Ricardo Darín add layers of complexity without succumbing to melodrama. Their portrayals vividly capture the essence of characters ensnared by their pasts, a recurring theme in Farhadi's work.

The film delicately balances its narrative between the thriller and drama genres, not by wielding suspense as its primary tool but through an in-depth exploration of personal anguish and relational dynamics under stress. This approach might deviate from what some might expect of a thriller, highlighting Farhadi's aspiration to probe into the more nuanced, often painful facets of human connection rather than merely orchestrating a sequence of shocking revelations. Although "Everybody Knows" may not be Farhadi's most groundbreaking work, it stands out for its ambitious attempt at marrying complex character studies with the elements of a psychological thriller, showcasing his unique ability to draw profound emotional resonance from family dramas and societal critiques.

In conclusion, "Everybody Knows" presents a rich tapestry of emotions and relationships, embellished with a slight but meaningful touch of suspense. While it may walk a predictable path at times, the overall experience is elevated by exceptional performances and Farhadi's meticulous directing. The film serves both as a testament to Farhadi's continuing evolution as a filmmaker and a compelling exploration of the shadows that past secrets cast on the present. It might not redefine the genre, but it solidifies Farhadi's standing as a master storyteller capable of drawing the audience into the intricate web of human emotions.