Darkness There and Nothing More: A Haunting Dialogue on War and Guilt
Darkness There and Nothing More is a powerful 2021 documentary by Tea Tupajic that delves into the lingering scars of war. Premiering at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA), the film was nominated for both the IDFA Award for Best First Feature and the IDFA Award for Best Dutch Film.
Set in the Frascati Theatre in Amsterdam, the film captures an intimate and unsettling night of conversation between Tupajic and two Dutchbat veterans, Frank and Harm. Through a minimalist setup—just a woman, two men, and a camera in a gradually darkening theater—the documentary focuses entirely on their raw dialogue and emotions.
The film’s minimalist setup—a woman, two men, and a camera in a gradually darkening theater—focuses entirely on raw dialogue, gestures, and emotions. Through this stark simplicity, Darkness There and Nothing More becomes an unflinching exploration of guilt, trauma, and the long-lasting impact of war.
The cinematography by Jean Counet plays a pivotal role in bringing this emotional journey to life. The director’s initial request—to film continuously for 12 hours—posed a unique challenge. Counet humorously remarked that he might need to wear a diaper but soon realized that even the protagonists would require breaks. To meet this challenge while maintaining the flexibility of handheld shooting without physically carrying the camera for extended periods, Counet designed an innovative system. This allowed him to preserve the intimacy and immediacy of handheld cinematography while ensuring stability and endurance throughout the long shoot.
Counet’s visual approach mirrors the film’s themes of vulnerability and confrontation. The tight framing and gradual descent into darkness reflect the emotional weight of the conversations, drawing viewers into a space where words and silences carry profound meaning.
Darkness There and Nothing More is not just a documentary; it is an immersive experience that forces its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about war, responsibility, and human connection. With its stark visuals and emotionally charged dialogue, this 88-minute masterpiece stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in storytelling. It challenges viewers to reflect on both personal and collective histories while exploring the fragile boundaries between understanding and alienation.
Official Selection Envision Program IDFA 2021
Nominated for the IDFA Award for Best First Feature and the IDFA Award for Best Dutch Film
Director: Tea Tupajic
Production: Marc Thelosen and André Schreuders
Co-production: Simone van den Broek
Cinematography: Jean Charles Counet, NSC
Editing: Albert Markus
Sound: Marc Schmidt
Sound Design: Roel Meelkop
Screenplay: Tea Tupajic
Production: Anouk Houtman
Production: Annemiek Munneke
Gaffer: Dick Merx
Grading: Laurent Fluttert
Coach: Joost Seelen
Supported by: the Netherlands Film Fund, City of Rotterdam visual arts, NPO Fund
(C) 2021 seriousFILM & AS Film in co-production with Basalt Film
