Slack Bay: every once in a while comes a film which is beyond any comprehension; not in the sense that the story is too serpentine or ethereal, but because every single creative decision taken by the director feels wrong. Such is the case with this work of Bruno Dumont. As a satire, it has no bite; as a comedy, it is unfunny no matter how hard it tries; as a mystery or thriller, there are neither; as a character study, it’s shallow, if not non-existent. Acting is loud and broad, therefore unpleasant and tiring; the commitment of Juliette Binoche and Fabrice Luchini, in particular, is commendable, but that doesn’t make it any less insufferable. Not surprisingly, the only character that connects at all is defended with the most naturalistic acting (Raph is the performer in question). The costumes and locations look good, but that’s not nearly enough reason to watch this mess.