Z- the end, the blank space, the missing connection to the history of humanity. When Colonel Percival Fawcett (Charlie Hunnam) discovers the ruins of a lost civilization in the deepest jungles of Bolivia he is certain that he is on the track of a sensation. In the 20s of the past century the scholars believed that indigenous people were dumb creatures, more primitive animal than human, but the clay fragments prove that they belong to a civilization that is far older than the west. No one believes him of course and it takes years to get another expedition off the ground which will take everything out of him and his men. Meanwhile, his confident wife Nina (Sienna Miller) and their son await his return.

James Gray, who has made a name for himself with gangster films like THE YARDS and WE OWN THE NIGHT, has adapted the non-fiction book by David Grann and turned it into an unusual adventure film. His approach to the story of a researcher’s obsession is closer to the films of Terrence Malick than the adventures of Indiana Jones. Camera magician Darius Khondji (PANIC ROOM) pits the desaturated England against the rich green of the Amazons. You want to stay there for longer during the first trip as the first act is rushed due to plot constraints. Fawcett does become more developed during their time in exile, when Fawcett transforms into one of the aristocratic suit-wearers. Charlie Hunnam, who can next be seen as King Arthur in Guy Ritchie’s new adaptation, embodies the driven man who is in-between worlds in an intoxicating film that stays with you long after it’s finished.

Lars Tunçay (INDIEKINO MAGAZIN)

Translation: Elinor Lewy