Fest Track On Sirk TV Film Review: ROSE OF NEVADA [Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia]
After "Enys Men", director Mark Jenkin could have gone a couple different ways. That film was more obscure in its metaphorical leanings but understood the emotions of what it was showing, even if it was a little disjointed. "Rose Of Nevada" (New Visions) is actually much more linear in its perspective but nevertheless indicative of human nature. It brings the notion of a certain kind of travel into the foray...and it works quite well...sort of like a folksy "Twilight Zone" episode. The good thing about it is that it doesn't lose the stylistic touches Jenkin gets from the use of 16mm. He still uses splits ends and like old Eggers it really bring out the organic feeling of his shooting, especially with the close ups. George McKay best known for "1917" is the heart and soul of the picture in that his loss reflects quite candidly in his eyes. He could have let his existence sit in where he is but the beginning, like with Callum Turner's Liam, shows what is missing and what is not. Jenkin creates a sense of foreshadowing that is lyrical and yet sad. It isn't overwhelming dramatic but it is leading.
But with the sense of the fishing village and the captain with no name, there is an inherently mythical intent without losing its indie roots...a folk tale of the real if you will. With Callum Turner being talked about in terms of the new 007, one can see the bravado he brings but also in one scene a moment of life slipping away. The film is great at showing parallels without having to criticize or question the characters. Jenkin's music and sound design are superb. This is a more accomplished film than "Enys Men" and is definitely more accessible in its narrative. As the film marches through its maelstrom to the end, there is a sense of fate and resounded contentment in its state of in-between. The question becomes not living with destiny but changing its possibilities in order to suit your own. "Rose Of Nevada" is the name of the ship which is the catalyst for the shift but she moves no matter which way the wind takes her. "Rose" is not a perfect film but it is organic in what it is with a sense of art, story and craft. A-
By Tim Wassberg
