Stalemate

One day I will write a memoir on why this is a masterpiece of queer homoerotic cinema, but for now I just want to congratulate Team Infinity Pup on a bold, delicious first outing in the competition. Stalemate is a beautifully, distinctly directed piece of art that had me melting in my seat with it's cinematography and unabashed queerness. I was gripped throughout, left wanting more and pondering on meaning. Plus there's a cute af dog! Great take on the Pavlova Western genre and making amends for the depression that was Brokeback Mountain.

You know that a film is taking no prisoners when they know they've made such a cracking film that no end credits are required. 100% I think this should have been in the Wellington final on mood and atmosphere alone, an absolutely sumptuous pulsating sendup of cowboy expectations.

The team absolutely nailed it aesthetically with perhaps the best editing I've seen in the competition so far this year as two lovers dueled for the upper hand through chess, a shootout and then an audacious game of chicken.

Loved the visual touches of fire and brimstone, smoke and ashes and deep longing stares representing neither as being someone to back down. The red hues and closeups were so well shot that the intensity of proceedings felt like it was burning through the screen.

Given the long running adage of a dog being the servant of the master and servant concept, it felt like this is ultimately what the team was hinting at as to why this intense but playful duel was so critical to their dynamic?

I seriously wouldn't have wanted you to change a thing on this film. Loved the authenticity on display and hope to see more films from you.

Story: 4.5/5
Technical: 4.5/5
Elements: 4/5
Overall: 4.5/5