Sundance Review: ‘Human Factor’

Ronny Trocker’s Human Factorsis a beautifully shot and directed drama that is equal parts harrowing and unforgettable.

Ronny Trocker’s Human Factors, which had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 29th January 2021, is a beautifully shot and directed drama which is so harrowing that it will undoubtedly stay with audiences for quite a while. It is a very strange film, full of brilliant visuals that are pleasing to the eye and featuring scenes that go on for a real long time, which really gives viewers the time to take everything in. Apart from this, it is also a mild thriller with not much in store but still quite effective.

At first glance, this may seem like an ordinary film about a perfect family: dedicated parents who are successful in their creative jobs, and two innocent kids who are busy with their day-to-day activities. The parents Jan (Mark Waschke) and Nina (Sabine Timoteo) have signed a new politically charged client at their advertising agency which allows them to confront their clashing priorities at work. The family goes on a vacation to their sea-side house but a mysterious home invasion puts a halt to their enjoyment. Initially it brings them closer but as the events begin to repeat themselves, only to be witnessed by Nina, they become the triggering element of a gradual decomposition of their marriage and bond as a family.

This movie can be viewed in multiple ways as it explores a number of important social themes at a time. Most of these are intended to deeply explore the family conflicts, and allow the audience to continually redefine and question their own points of view. The film’s aesthetic, including the score, is beautifully understated. It isn’t a flashy film by any means, but it’s also not trying to be. The score is ominous yet powerful and moody in the best way possible. The screenplay goes a great job ratcheting up dramatic tension between the husband and wife, while also providing careful context to their work situation. We see each of the family members cut loose in their own way, in an attempt to deal with the strain, especially Nina as she is the only one who claims to have witnessed the home invasion. The couple’s children are also thoughtfully depicted in the script; the writing shows them to be dynamic yet shaped by a variety of external circumstances in their personal and familial lives. The acting is terrific across the board, as the main characters are able to clearly convey raw grit and anguish as their interpersonal relationships end up getting increasingly muddy and dysfunctional.

All in all, Human Factors is a complex and well-made family drama that sheds some light on mounting tensions due to workload and paranoia, as well as the intricacies that govern how we respond to each other during difficult and uncertain times. Despite all of these positive qualities, the third act is a bit underwhelming and fails to completely satisfy or pack the anticipated conclusion. Instead, it leaves us with a feeling that doesn’t quite add up to the sum of its previous parts. Audiences who enjoy slow paced dramas will definitely enjoy this one. – Nabeel Zaman

Human Factor premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 29, 2021.