Perfect Sense (United Kingdom - 2011)

When it's over, can love still be found in a world of devastation?  According to British filmmaker, David MacKenzie, the answer is "yes."  MacKenzie has crafted a unique film about the power of love in humanity's darkest days. Perfect Sense makes a lot of sense, where a small film has big meanings. Great performances from Ewan McGregor and Eva Green, who play Michael and Susan, two people falling in love in the midst of a world wide epidemic where humans begin to lose their sensory perceptions.  As the characters begin to lose each of their senses, they are forced to cope with their loss and to continue with life using their remaining senses.  It's hard to imagine a life without our senses, since we take them so much for granted, and I don't think this film is meant to scare, but rather serve as a reminder for us not to take the things we value for granted - our life, our health, the people we love.  Most important, to remind us that love has the power to make bearable the most unbearable.  The film shows humanity's tragedy with clarity and honesty and although the subject matter is depressing, the film doesn't completely feel like it's in despair.  The love story definitely gives the film the balance it needs to be both tragic and beautiful.  The most visually disturbing scene has to be the events leading up to the loss of taste, when humans become ravenous.  At first, the montage of scenes seem comical, but they slowly manifests into clips that make even the strongest stomachs squirm.  The most emotionally disturbing scene, hands down, has to be the ending.  Fade to black.  Where do humans go from there?  A daring question that begs for a hopeful answer.

My rating: 4 out of 5