Watch No Home Movie

No Home Movie is a deeply personal and emotional documentary film directed by Chantal Akerman which explores the final years of her mother's life. The film primarily consists of long, static shots of her mother's domestic life in her apartment in Brussels, Belgium as well as footage of their conversations during Chantal's visits. The film is a meditation on mortality, memory and the relationship between a mother and daughter. Chantal Akerman juxtaposes the quiet, uneventful scenes of her mother's daily routine with poignant discussions about her memories and experiences as a Holocaust survivor. The film is hauntingly beautiful in its simplicity and the depth of emotion that is conveyed through its moments of stillness.

One of the central themes of the film is the idea of home – what it means to have one, to leave one, and to create one. Through the use of footage from both her mother's apartment and her travels to different countries, Akerman explores the idea of home as a physical and emotional space. The film explores the contrast between the familiarity and comfort of a home and the loneliness and detachment that can come with being away from it.

Throughout the film, Akerman also explores her own identity as a filmmaker and as her mother's daughter. The film is largely shot from a distance, with the camera set up in the corner of a room or hallway. This creates a sense of voyeurism, as if the viewer is watching intimate moments between a mother and daughter that they were not meant to see. However, these moments feel natural and unforced. They are moments of genuine connection, and they are what give the film its emotional depth.

No Home Movie is not a film that is concerned with narrative or plot, but rather with emotion and sensory experience. The use of long shots and minimal editing allows the viewer to become immersed in the film's contemplative and meditative rhythm. The film is also notable for its use of sound, particularly the sounds of the apartment and of nature outside. The sound design reinforces the sense of place and creates a sensory experience for the viewer.

One of the most powerful moments in the film comes towards the end, when Akerman's mother is seen alone in her apartment, slowly descending the stairs. This simple shot communicates a sense of both frailty and resilience, and captures the complexity of her mother's character.

The film is not without its flaws – the slow pace and minimal action may make it difficult for some viewers to engage with. However, for those willing to immerse themselves in the film's quiet intensity, No Home Movie is a profound and moving work that explores universal themes of life, death, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Overall, No Home Movie is a deeply personal and powerful film that serves as a poignant tribute to Akerman's mother and an exploration of what it means to find one's place in the world. It is a film that requires patience and an open heart, but for those willing to give it a chance, it is a work that will stay with them long after the credits roll.

No Home Movie is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 81.