The Loneliest Planet

This quiet and observational film about a young, engaged couple who take a hiking trip through the Caucasus Mountains of Georgia explores interpersonal connection in a most uncommon way. Using so little dialogue that a viewer need not speak English, Spanish, or Georgian to fully understand the story and its themes, director Julia Loktev has made a film that is all about communication and its importance in matters of the heart. With long takes, lack of clear narrative, and minimal action (though taking action is a key theme), this is the type of movie that will drive 90 percent of audiences crazy. However, for the 10 percent who love to be engaged by this type of filmmaking and consider this the best kind of “audience participation picture” – it's pretty damn great.