While well made with top notch cinematography, Via Negativa’s slow, meditative nature makes it hard to fully engage. Acting performances in these reflective moments are definitely powerful, but the script may land better for a viewer more in touch with religion. Introspective narration conveys Dan’s (Young Mazino) disillusionment, as he analyzes life through unconventional interpretations of bible scripture. He did everything right by committing himself to the cloth, but catholicism hastily disposes of him upon a first crisis of faith.
Notable talent Mamoudou Athie is sorely wasted with little screen time in only the final few minutes. Seems like a waste of budget to cast this caliber of actor for a background role.
Creativity is not lost here. In the opening sequence, a group of mourners of mixed sexual orientation move in a manner evoking contemporary choreography. This sets the scene for the emotional conflict to come. Blue toned color grading enhances the emotion behind Dan’s crippling depression.
Anna (MiMi Ryder), a sideshow owner’s delinquent daughter along for the ride, provides a sly quote, “you’re on some sort of fucked up American pilgrimage,” which best describes the wandering, road trip storyline. A revenge subplot to avenge a protagonist’s loved one is most compelling, yet the payoff of its resolution couldn’t be much weaker.
We see Dan’s crisis of faith progress through his wardrobe. As he proudly wears the collar for all to see, he accepts confessions and requests for prayers from strangers. Once he separates himself from his faceless job, and unearths his individual identity, he wears a jacket that hides his attire to be perceived as a civilian. It works so well that at one point, a fellow diner offers to acts as Dan’s savior in a flip of perspective, as well as a peer to lean on. An injured wolf-dog picked up off the street early on acts as a metaphor for Dan in this manner of character evolution. The animal represents his untamed yet wounded persona itching to escape and run free.
Overused shots where the camera follows Dan’s car driving down a dark road excessively pad the runtime. This makes one hour and forty minutes feel endless. Those who enjoy talky films will likely take to Via Negativa better, as not much happens aside from emotionally challenging conversations.
Via Negativa asks its flock to patiently follow along for the ride when it premieres at the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival on Friday, June 5.
