Is Ordinal (SW/NE) Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2017, Ordinal (SW/NE) represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Modern Cinema category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The film traces the cultural and environmental influences of a soil-dwelling, pathogenic fungus, Coccidioides immitis, and its associated disease, valley fever, in California's Central Valley. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The film traces the cultural and environmental influences of a soil-dwelling, pathogenic fungus, Coccidioides immitis, and its associated disease, valley fever, in California's Central Valley. Interweaving past, present and mythological time, the film draws upon historical and cultural references, including the plight of migrants during the Depression, the spread of the disease in recent years, contemporary theories of climate change, and the significance of the desert wind in ancient Assyria. In Ruperto and Keagy’s film, natural phenomena remain neutral, fleeing from any kind of judgment and avoiding binary oppositions of positive and negative, destruction and regeneration, life and death."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The ensemble, led by Dr. Antje Lauer, delivers a professional and engaging performance that satisfies the requirements of the Modern Cinema genre. While it may not reinvent the wheel, the commitment to the material is evident in every frame.

The direction by Rini Yun Keagy is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 43 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Ordinal (SW/NE) truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Ordinal (SW/NE) explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rini Yun Keagy respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Ordinal (SW/NE) serves as a reliable piece of entertainment that will satisfy core fans while providing a solid entry point for new viewers. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dr. Antje Lauer or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Ordinal (SW/NE) is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.