Victoria (2015)

Most films are carefully constructed compositions of many shots, filmed over many days of shooting, with many takes existing between production and the final product. Victoria was produced as a single, roughly two and a half hour shot ranging across a number of locations in early morning Berlin. Only three attempts at shooting could be afforded; if they failed, the three takes were to be spliced into a conventionally cut movie.

They did not fail.

There are notable quality concessions: the camerawork is utilitarian rather than carefully choreographed. This is not altogether a weakness, as it is part of the film's identity, but it contributes to a distinct lack of polish.

Additionally, the character interactions feel sincere but intentionally only partially scripted; this works to the film’s strength as well as its detriment. They are believable drunks and improvise good banter, but the reviewer would have liked more time to have been made for carefully scripted dialogue, like what was seen in the coffee shop.

There are also problems less associated with the way it was shot, such as the final act of the story straining credulity. The escalation of the plot works for much of the film, but by the end the viewer may start asking questions about the lack of proper police response.

Despite this, Victoria stands on its own even without its "gimmick", with a compelling budding romance between our leads, and a believably merry group of friends to accompany them. The premise of following a group of young drunkards fresh off a night of partying is compelling on its own without the added criminal elements.

Most impressively, the setting is surprisingly dynamic; we start in a night club, walk the streets, go to a shop, a rooftop, a seedy meeting in a parking garage and more. The fact that the film was successfully staged, timed, and shot is a significant feat in filmmaking in and of itself.

While it finds success in some conventional ways, it can more certainly be said that Victoria stands as one of the most impressive attempts at a one-take film.