A Hidden Life (dir. Terrence Malick), 2019

Perhaps all films should be three hours. I had gone into this one mostly blind, but well aware of the controversial reputation of Terrence Malick. I was prepared for montages and an appreciation of nature. Based on the trailer, I could tell the film at the very least would be visually stunning. Never had I been brave enough to watch Malick. However, I figured ponying up the admission price and sitting in a dark theater packed with older, boomer liberals, perhaps I’d be forced to intake his work whether I ended up loving it or hating it. A Hidden Life I loved. In fact, it is my favorite film this year and, with time, likely will rank in my top 5 films of the recently departed decade.

I see and acknowledge the complaints about Terrence Malick. Malick himself admitted he was more structured for this film, using and sticking to a script. We are still treated to highly visual and stunning scenes (or montages, really) that often are overlayed with narration between our primary characters: Franz and Franziska Jägerstätter. The couple are Austrian farmers living in the town of Radegund during the late 1930s. During montages, which effectively allow the audience to engage and live as part of their family, real letters between the couple are the basis for the dialogue. We begin at the onset of World War II and the invasion of Nazi Germany into neighboring nations. It is never overdone, however. We are guided through the historical setting through brief footage, but more so through the changing tone of village people and town whispers.

The decision Franz ultimately makes, or perhaps it is one he makes quite clear early on into the film, may be puzzling on paper. However, the filmmaking is so carefully curated, crafted, and executed that we are able to not only glimpse into our hero’s psyche, but fully understand his motivations. August Diehl and Valerie Pachner are silently electrifying as the pillars of the story. (I also have to give a shout out to my new favorite odd-looking white man, Franz Rogowski, for a welcome lightness in his supporting role.) The musical score is my favorite of 2019 and, to repeat myself and my praises, is used sparingly and effectively.

A Hidden Life is truly a beautifully crafted masterpiece with a subject matter and runtime I usually would find difficult to engage.