Jacked In Reviews ‘Natura’ (2023)

From the opening shot, you’re immediately captured by an open woodland which truly readies you for being emersed in nature (or Natura in this case) for the next hour.

The story sees a Jewish girl (Manya Muse) on the run from a Nazi war camp, navigating the wilderness trying to survive and adapting to the environment around her.

Despite the French location, this feature has universal appeal. With no dialogue whatsoever, the film masters the “show, don’t tell” technique allowing audiences to live vicariously through the leading lady. As well as this, due to the wild setting – away from cities and technology – it almost has a certain timeless aspect, with general survival being at the forefront of the plot.

An alternative World War II story that – thanks to the marvellous locations and gorgeous cinematography – manages to showcase a lot of beauty during a period that was so barbaric.

An alternative World War II story that – thanks to the marvellous locations and gorgeous cinematography – manages to showcase a lot of beauty during a period that was so barbaric.

That, as well as the gentle pacing which lures you into this wild world, accompanied by such a powerful score, this really is such an inspiring story of one person’s survival.

---