Sometime in year 1926 or 1927, Russian emigrant Lillian Alling set out to cross the U.S. and Canada on foot. Her epic journey from New York to Alaska has inspired many and now Andreas Horvath’s feature film Lillian. An enigmatic road movie is at once a portrait of female spirit and a reflection on the loneliness at the heart of America today. His Lillian is played with true grit by Patrycja Planik, who says not a word during the whole film. It’s a role that would test the mettle of much more experienced actresses, but Planik handles the challenge with a kind of stubborn naivete that is intriguing to watch. Planik's stoic face reflects little or no emotion during her trials, and Horvath seems completely unperturbed about the questions her presence raises. The film simply recounts her grueling journey down lonely, deserted highways and through vistas of breathtaking beauty.
Production Notes
