I saw a film by myself last night. It used to be that saying that was normal - something that I’d do as the Deputy Film Editor of a university newspaper at least once every week - but lately I’ve felt the usual pressure to either go to the cinema with others or (more commonly) not at all.
The Master is the sort of film that rewards a solitary trip. There are drawn-out pauses, where you might shuffle awkwardly next to your partner rather than absorb the full intensity of the moment. There are points of pure, unbridled anger that hit you hard if you’re just left to your own thoughts. This film is not normal, and it’s uncomfortable to watch at times. When I’m with friends, I try to resolve uncomfortable moments by elevating the mood in whatever small way I can, and a surface-level treatment of this film does not do it justice.
Take a few hours out of your life and watch this. I’m still thinking about it now.