OTC Rating : 4/5
Introduction
Kazik Radwanski’s “Matt and Mara” (2024) is a quiet yet deeply introspective film that examines the complexities of human relationships, nostalgia, and the unspoken emotions that linger over time. Currently streaming on MUBI, the film follows an unexpected reunion between two old friends and the ripple effect it has on their lives. What makes *Matt and Mara* stand out is its commitment to realism—through naturalistic performances, an intimate handheld camera style, and a subtle yet effective sound design.
Story & Narrative Structure
The film follows Mara (Deragh Campbell), a creative writing professor in Toronto, who lives with her musician husband, Samir (Mounir Al Shami), and their young child. Her seemingly stable life is disrupted when she reconnects with Matt (Matt Johnson), an old college friend who has become a successful author. As they spend time together, unresolved emotions surface, challenging Mara’s understanding of her past and present.
Instead of relying on dramatic plot twists, “Matt and Mara” focuses on quiet, everyday moments that carry deep emotional weight. Radwanski’s approach is almost observational, allowing conversations and interactions to unfold naturally. The film doesn’t provide easy resolutions but rather captures the nuances of longing, regret, and the unspoken connections that shape our relationships.
Image credit : MUBI
Direction & Cinematography
Kazik Radwanski’s directorial style is defined by its rawness and immediacy. He maintains a documentary-like approach, emphasizing naturalistic performances and real-world environments. This method makes the audience feel like passive observers in intimate moments between the characters.
Cinematographer Nikolay Michaylov employs a handheld camera technique, often framing characters in close-ups to highlight micro-expressions and subtle gestures. The camera moves fluidly, adapting to the actors rather than imposing itself on the narrative. The use of natural light enhances the film’s realism, with soft warm tones in domestic settings contrasting against the cooler, detached cityscapes.
Performances
Deragh Campbell delivers a deeply nuanced performance as Mara. Without overt dramatics, she conveys inner conflict through small, restrained expressions, making her character’s emotional journey all the more impactful. Her chemistry with Matt Johnson is effortless, creating an authentic sense of history between their characters.
Matt Johnson brings a charismatic yet slightly melancholic presence to Matt. His character oscillates between self-assuredness and vulnerability, reflecting the duality of someone who has achieved external success but remains emotionally adrift.
Mounir Al Shami, as Samir, plays the role with quiet confidence, embodying stability and love without veering into cliché. His interactions with Mara subtly highlight the emotional distance creeping into their marriage, making his performance crucial to the film’s emotional depth.
Image credit : MUBI
Production Design & Art Direction
The film’s production design is minimal yet intentional. Mara’s apartment, lined with books and warm lighting, reflects her introspective personality and academic world. In contrast, the more impersonal public spaces—cafés, bookstores, and bustling Toronto streets—reinforce the theme of emotional disconnection. The choice of locations, including a trip to Niagara Falls, serves as a metaphor for unresolved emotions—a beautiful yet overwhelming force in the characters’ lives.
The art direction remains understated, focusing on lived-in environments rather than stylized aesthetics. This decision keeps the film grounded in realism, making the characters’ world feel tangible and relatable.
Editing
Edited by Ajla Odobašić, the film maintains a steady, contemplative rhythm. Instead of abrupt cuts or flashy transitions, scenes are allowed to breathe, letting the actors fully inhabit their moments. The editing subtly reinforces the passage of time, often lingering on expressions or silences that speak volumes.
There is an organic flow between scenes, mirroring the unpredictability of real-life conversations and interactions. The choice to occasionally hold on uncomfortable pauses adds to the film’s emotional honesty.
Image credit : MUBI
Sound Design & Music
The sound design in “Matt and Mara” is deliberately restrained. Instead of a heavy score, the film relies on ambient noises—the chatter of a café, the distant hum of traffic, the sound of turning book pages—to create an immersive environment. This approach keeps the audience grounded in the characters’ reality.
The score, composed with subtle piano and ambient textures, emerges at key emotional beats but never overshadows the dialogue. When used, it acts as an extension of the characters’ emotions rather than dictating how the audience should feel.
Final Verdict
“Matt and Mara” is an intimate, slow-burning character study that captures the complexities of human connection with honesty and restraint. Kazik Radwanski’s direction, coupled with naturalistic performances from Deragh Campbell and Matt Johnson, makes this a compelling exploration of nostalgia, unresolved emotions, and the quiet struggles of adulthood.
While it’s deliberately subdued pacing and lack of conventional dramatic beats may not appeal to all viewers, those who appreciate character-driven cinema will find “Matt and Mara” to be a deeply rewarding experience.
Why You Should Watch It
- Subtle yet powerful performances, especially from Deragh Campbell
- Naturalistic direction and immersive cinematography
- A deeply relatable exploration of relationships and self-reflection
- Thoughtful use of sound and minimal yet effective music
If you enjoy films that focus on quiet emotional depth rather than overt drama, “Matt and Mara” is a must-watch.
