Name: Fingernails
Genre: Romance, Science Fiction, Drama
Released: 2023-10-27T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jessie Buckley, Riz Ahmed, Jeremy Allen White, Luke Wilson, Christian Meer

The opening shot of Fingernails lingers on Jessie Buckley’s fingers, her nails meticulously examined under a clinical light—a fitting introduction to Christos Nikou’s film, which probes the very essence of love with scientific precision. The premise is intriguing: a test that can measure true love. Anna (Buckley) and Ryan (Jeremy Allen White) have passed it, but doubt lingers in her mind. Enter Amir (Riz Ahmed), a newcomer who complicates everything.

Nikou’s direction is deliberate, often bordering on the clinical, which suits the film’s central conceit of love as something quantifiable. The test itself—a simple, almost mundane procedure—becomes a metaphor for the ways we try to rationalize emotion. Buckley and Ahmed deliver performances that are understated yet deeply affecting, their chemistry palpable even in moments of quiet tension. White, too, brings a grounded warmth to his role, making Ryan’s earnestness both endearing and frustrating.

The film’s strength lies in its exploration of love’s ambiguity. Nikou avoids easy answers, instead presenting love as a complex, often contradictory force. The scenes between Buckley and Ahmed are particularly compelling, their conversations laced with unspoken longing and uncertainty. The sound design amplifies this tension, the hum of machines and the distant chatter of lab technicians creating an atmosphere that is both sterile and eerily intimate.

However, Fingernails falters in its pacing. The film’s deliberate tempo, while effective in building mood, sometimes feels indulgent. There are moments where the narrative stalls, leaving the audience to wait for a payoff that never quite materializes. The dead space between key scenes can feel like a drag, and some of the dialogue leans too heavily on exposition.

The film’s ending is its most significant misstep. It’s not so much that it’s unsatisfying as it is predictable. The conclusion feels telegraphed from the opening minutes, robbing the narrative of any real tension or surprise. This isn’t to say the ending is without merit—it’s just that it lacks the emotional weight one might hope for.

Despite its flaws, Fingernails is a film worth discussing. It asks important questions about love and the ways we try to understand it. The performances are strong, the direction is thoughtful, and the premise is undeniably intriguing.

The film’s A24-coded story concept is weirdly satirical, blending elements of romance, science fiction, and drama in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. It’s a film that will resonate with those who enjoy slow cinema, where the focus is on character development and thematic exploration rather than plot-driven action.

Buckley’s performance is particularly noteworthy. She brings a quiet intensity to Anna, capturing the character’s internal conflict with subtlety and nuance. Ahmed, too, is excellent as Amir, his portrayal of a man caught between duty and desire adding depth to the film’s central themes.

The film’s exploration of uncertain feelings is one of its most compelling aspects. It delves into the complexities of human emotion, asking questions that don’t have easy answers. This makes Fingernails a thought-provoking watch, even if it doesn’t always deliver on emotional impact.

In terms of genre fit, Fingernails straddles the line between romance and science fiction, creating a unique blend that sets it apart from more traditional offerings. The film’s slow pace and emphasis on character development may not appeal to everyone, but those who appreciate a more contemplative cinematic experience will find much to enjoy.

The quiet soulfulness of Buckley, Ahmed, and White makes for a banquet of slow cinema, one that haunts more than shocks in its parsing of love, lust, and longing. The film’s ability to evoke a sense of melancholy and longing is one of its greatest strengths, even if it sometimes struggles to maintain momentum.

Ultimately, Fingernails is a film that will leave viewers with much to ponder. It’s not a perfect film, but it’s one that takes risks and asks important questions.