Superior - A Movie Review

I don’t know if switching places for the day is a good idea.

Superior was released to the 2021 Sundance Film Festival. Meeting up for the first time in six years, twin sisters, Vivian and Marion, catch up. One day, they decide to switch places. During this time, the women learn pivotal secrets about one another.

I was so lucky to catch the premiere of Superior at the Sundance Film Festival. Superior studies a character film about two sisters. Although the film was entertaining and suspenseful from beginning to end, some moments felt unrealistic.

Twins in real life, Alexandra and Ani Mesa were terrific. The interactions between Vivian and Marion were well-acted. Both explored emotions, personality traits, and their history very well. Realizing that they have more in common than they thought, the women examine the other’s lives in switched positions.

Studying their relationship closely, the girls unlock hidden secrets. Not realizing how unhappy she is, Vivian psychoanalyzes herself. Because she put her marriage first, Vivian feels inferior to the world. As for Marion, though she likes her freedom, she has not made the best decisions, constantly on the run from danger.

More films need to have a scenario where siblings switch places. Several creative scenarios can come about. Their relationship is a lesson to all about how important it is for siblings to have a healthy relationship. The bond between siblings is essential.

Other credits to include are Pico Alexander, Jake Hoffman, and Stanley Simons. The duty of the ensemble showcases meaningful interactions. For example, Hoffman is excellent as a husband who only wants what is best for his wife. Except he does not recognize that Vivian isn’t happy.

I warn you, scenes that take place at an ice cream stand will make your mouth salivate. Although he is not a person whom I would befriend, Miles (Simons) became one of my favorite characters. Sometimes we don’t realize who we need to talk to.

The film could have done a better job with the character of Robert (Alexander). His main purpose is to appear menacing and to be a villain. Except we don’t know enough about him. Unless that was the point, we need more history.

Erin Vassilopoulos mended the film together with great edits. From beginning to end, Vassilopoulos pulled audiences in with drama, suspense, but mostly the relationship between the sisters. She worked in creative symbolism techniques, notably with the color red.

My favorite editing occurred when the sisters were doing contrasting activities but were dealing with similar dilemmas in a split-screen. Later on, when they have switched places there is a complete difference in body language as they are doing the others activities. Great symbolism.

One downfall that Superior had was unrealistic reactions. During the climax, the sisters made decisions that felt out of character mostly to end the film faster. In a heated situation like this, the characters feel way too calm. The ending could have gone through a better edit. It also reminded me of the ending to a famous Alfred Hitchcock film.

I am glad that I stuck around to listen to the Q&A to learn that this film was based on the short film Vassilopoulos wrote in 2015, Superior is a continuation. It’s your duty to make your life what you want. Decisions impact your direction in life. Don’t let others run your life.

I am looking forward to going to the Sundance Film Festival again whether it is physically or virtually in the future. The movie-watching is an incredible experience. Once it is out, I recommend that you watch Superior.