I found myself strangely drawn into _Evolution_, even as I felt somewhat perplexed by it. It's an unsettling and deliberately paced film; visually quite impressive, but purposefully obscure in its storytelling. The eerie atmosphere and the odd, disturbing imagery were appealing, although there were times when it became a little irritating. This is very much in line with Hadžihalilović’s style—expect no explanations.

The film created a genuinely unsettling atmosphere, possibly amplified by watching it during such cold weather. What stands out most is the remarkable performance of eleven-year-old Max Brebant as Nicolas, alongside the deliberate obscurity surrounding the setting’s time and location. The story centers on a young boy living in a village comprised solely of women and adolescent boys; adult men are absent. A surprising…