On the surface this seems to be a thriller-like movie in the bright sunlight of Italy. Still, it won't work if you watch the movie like this. The film was made when the European refugee situation turned serious. And all the characters in their self-centered ways seem so far away from the real world. Once Rock rebels but now just concerned with their private problems - it's no coincidence that the star has lost his voice, her lover has to fight an alcohol problem and the Hawkes character is simply appalling. To offer some explanation to the police they are willing to throw some nameless refugees under the bus. Still, I have to agree to some of the negative reviews. The film is very long and very slow and obviously the protagonists are quite negative (which is the point of the film). I can't see much of character development which is mentioned in some reviews. These characters CANNOT develop anymore. They are stuck in their ways, which probably also the reason why the girl is crying at the end of the film. It is not a coincidence that the setting is Lampedusa, where many refugee boats arrived. But is this really helpful to hide the message when this topic is so big and important? As a classic "thriller", the movie is obviously not working (imagine what a veteran Hollywood director of the 1930s would have done with the plot! William Wellman or William Dieterle would have told the story in 10 minutes). So if you appreciate a subtle, indirect way of storytelling this might be a movie for you and as some positive reviews show, the movie works for many people.

A Bigger SplashThe feature demands attention through stunning visuals that are shot beautifully and up beats the tone and the enthusiast of the characters and their individual tales. Addition to that, it scores majestically on terms of technical aspects like cinematography, costume design and sound effects. The concept is fresh, eerie and potential enogh to withhold the audience for complete two hours of its runtime. It is bold and not at all pretentious and the primary reason is its gripping screenplay, intriguing conversation and pragmatic characters that the tale revolves around. The adaptation is smart by David Kajganich that is supported by perfect editing. Luca Guadagnino; the director, has done a tremendous work on executing this stunning pitch and pulls it off with confidence on projecting this huge cast on screen. All the actors too, are in their A game and chips it all in and gives a stellar performance especially Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton but doesn't get the support as anticipated by Matthias Schoenaerts and Dakota Johnsson who still needs some more work. The feature also derails somewhere in its final act and fumbles its way down a bit only to pick up for a tense climax. A Bigger Splash is prominent and neat splashing that may be easily forgetful after leaving the screen but until its running, it offers a thrilling ride.

I watched this due to someone's comparing it to Ex Machina. But, honestly, this does not compare to that movie at all! Ex Machina is one of my Top 3 films (the others being Moon and In Bruges). The majority of this movie is just a bunch of pretentious BS. I would skip this if I were you. It was too late for me, but it is not too late for you.

Nearly past it rock chick faces past lover, present lover and the most unrock chick floppy clothes on boring holiday with wet ending.Cliché piled upon cliché. Annoying self- awareness in every shot. Ralph Fiennes and Tilda Swinton are unbearably earnest in keeping the integrity of their characters, and you just know Swinton suggested she play with a voice problem. Probably to "uphold the connection to Marianne's singing career, the heart of loss..." Of course.Thank the Viking gods for Matthias Schoenaerts,as Paul the disconnected lover, whose beautiful face and body know how to act without effort.Casting adds even more pain - ethnic maid, bumbling Italian carabinieri, pitiful refugees. Even the crumbling town and high-perched house seem cast by numbers.My wish-list kept calling for what this film could have been - a truly moody and sexy film. Acting that's not acting. Sex scenes that are more than awkward knee-tremblers as bony Ralph Fiennes shucks his pants. Controlled and deep emotional power from the screen. Please? Anyone? No...? Sigh.