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Review

Somewhere in a hotel in New Jersey, an ethnically ambiguous young girl (outstandingly played by newcomer Luisa Williams) receives instructions from three masked men. They tell her what to do and how to do it, and then drop her off in the middle of Times Square with a bomb strapped to her back. We do not know her motives, only that she is well-trained and has come a long distance with an extreme level of determination. Purposely removing all politics from the film, Loktev and Williams build a tense character study, packed with a subtly shocking third-act surprise that will take your breath away. From its measured opening close-ups to its final frames, Day Night Day Night is as gripping as it is thought-provoking. Driven by Loktev’s enthralling stark style through the use of distinctive sound cues and clever editing, she keeps you curious for more, never knowing what you will find in the next shot. Furthermore, Williams’ performance establishes her position as one of the most talented new actresses of our generation.

 -- Michael Lerman