Slow

LITHUANIA, 2024.

Available on streaming platforms. 

A simple romance between a dancer and a sign language interpreter suddenly becomes more challenging as an unexpected confession pushes them to redefine the shape of their relationship. Director Marija Kavtaradze looks into the complex dynamics of intimacy through the lens of asexuality, a theme that opens up various questions about the many faces of love. Slow (original title: Tu man nieko neprimeni) is a gentle reminder that even the most undeniable love requires thought, care and effort.

When Elena (Greta Grinevičiūtė) holds a dance class for a group of deaf students, Dovydas (Kęstutis Cicėnas) is called in as an interpreter. They immediately take a liking to each other and romance blooms quickly and effortlessly, until it becomes clear that their physical relationship would not progress further. There is a lot to unpack as their doubts and insecurities kick in, but it can be said that the main theme of the story that encompasses all others is communication. 

Starting from their occupations, which are centred around expression, it seems that the driving force for both characters is the desire to connect. Through dance, Elena tries to express her identity to an audience and to give a tangible form to her energy, whereas Dovydas utilises his body to translate and therefore to include and connect people. Although they love one another, the challenge they must face is to find a language that allows their feelings to flow without resistance: a feat they’ve mastered in their respective jobs but not in the private sphere. 

The film captures the emotional subtleties very well, but falters when it comes to getting deeper into the subject matter, so it can feel like one drawn out episode rather than a crescendo of dramatic evolution. Nevertheless, the leading duo’s performances feel so natural that it’s easy to be absorbed by their story. The fact that the film is shot on 16mm film gives it a somewhat amateurish feel but at the same time it enhances its raw, realistic tone. 

Slow is a vulnerable and sympathetic look into what it means to have an emotional relationship. By zooming in on the hazy borders that set intimacy apart from physical desire, it invites reflection on the very human mix of beauty and frustration that love interactions can present.