But what anchorsLuzis that deep desire for connection.
What Is ‘Luz’ About?
The two come from opposite worlds.
Image via Sundance Institute
Wei works at a karaoke bar and for shady men in businesses of ill repute.
Ren is a gallerist and the daughter of a well-known artist.
However, both characters are bonded by their individual parent-child relationships.
Image via Sundance Institute
There’s something artificial and sci-fi about the Luz VR world.
It’s both isolating and crowded.
People load into a waiting space where they drink fake drinks and chase after a digital deer.
Camgirls ask for money to buy new outfits in-game and it has become the newest addiction.
In contrast, there’s something very gritty about Chongqing.
The film is a remake of a highly influential 1970 Canadian movie.
Image via Sundance Institute
When Ren returns to Paris, it’s a complete tonal shift.
Gone are the dark nights and neon lights; instead we are very much in the present day.
Paris is neither looked at through rose-colored lenses nor is it trapped in the past.
Image via Sundance Institute
Family Bonds Take Center Stage in ‘Luz’
It becomes obvious quickly thatLuzis about parents and children.
Not only is Wei estranged from his daughter, but Sabine and Ren are estranged from each other.
What Lau struggles with here is the fact that Ren’s story is not equal to Wei’s.
In comparison, Wei’s struggle feels far more existential and removed.
Therefore, it makes the other two storylines a bit lackluster in comparison.
Additionally, it doesn’t feel like Wei’s story is one that’s necessary to tell.
This is especially true for Wei, who we know little about and even less about his previous marriage.
How did he get where he is?
Luzhad its premiere at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
