A direct sequel to the slow-cinema classic that has cemented Lisandro Alonso as a household name in arthouse circles, Double Freedom once again follows the everyday life of Misael (performed by Misael Saavedra). After twenty-five years, the core philosophies of what made the 2001 film so engaging are still present. Alonso strips down the narrative to the bare essentials for the entire first act; we spend a great amount of the opening simply digesting the daily habits of our protagonist. This atmosphere creates a hypnotizing and beautiful trance that is easy to get lost in.  Immediately (to pull a contemporary reference point), it’s easy to think about Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days . When characters do communicate with one another, it’s strictly brass tacks, and the environment surrounding them ends up communicating everything necessary; it’s not only an elaboration on the atmospheres and landscapes explored throughout La Libertad , it simultaneously emphasizes the slice-of-life...