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Apples Blu-ray Review

‘Apples’ is an intriguing but stiff drama.

Directed by Christos Nikou, written by Nikou and Stavros Raptis and produced by Cate Blanchett, ‘Apples’ is a Greek drama that revolves around a man (Aris) who wakes up on a bus only to discover he has no idea who he is. With no ID or anyone looking for him seemingly, he ends up in a hospital where he learns that there is a sort of amnesia pandemic going on. Unable to remember much of anything (even short term) aside from a fondness for apples, Aris becomes enrolled in a recovery program involving audio tapes to guide him back into living life again. Will his memory ever return though? That is the question.

Apples’ marks the feature-length directorial debut of Christos Nikou and it’s an admirable one. Despite a slow-burn approach, this pandemic story is a subtle (perhaps too subtle) and thoughtful exploration of memory, identity, life, and acceptance. The premise is ripe with ideas, but at the same time, it’s all a bit too vague and stiff for its own good. The character of Aris (played by a generally bland Aris Servetalis) is far from an exciting main character. He doesn’t emote much, he doesn’t talk much and he’s not exactly the most exciting person to go on this cinematic journey with. One could argue that his cold character challenges the viewer and makes them interpret who he is and what he’s feeling, but you’re left wanting more from him and the character (specifically in terms of his past life and why he seems to deny his memories). Luckily, the character of Anna (Sofia Georgvassili) livens up the movie. No spoilers as to what part she plays though. 

Characterization aside, ‘Apples’ isn’t the type of movie that will offer any closure either if you are the type of viewer that is bothered by that. You don’t learn much about the pandemic and you don’t really understand why the recovery program is the way it is (there’s some real head scratching parts of the tapes). For myself, those issues don’t prove to be of much concern and left things open to the imagination, but there is a sense that we could be getting more from both the story and the character of Aris to be sure. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.33:1 1080p. Grade: B+

Audio Track: Greek 5.1 and 2.0 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+

Extras:
* Cohen Media trailers and a trailer for ‘Apples’
* A 28 minute Zoom conversation between Christos Nikou and Cate Blanchett moderated by Anne Thompson.
* A Zoom conversation between Taika Waititi and Christos Nikou. Taika is highly comedic as always.

August 7, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Apples Blu-ray Review, Apples Movie, Cate Blanchett, Christos Nikou