The Fifth Season

Peter Brosens' The Fifth Season (Belgium, 2012) - A remote Francophone Ardennes village is perpetually stuck in winter in "The Fifth Season," an effective and gorgeously lensed parable from Belgium-based helming duo Peter Brosens and Jessica Woodworth. After making what felt like very Euro arthouse takes on life in Mongolia and Peru, in "Khadak" and "Altiplano," respectively, the filmmakers winningly apply their simultaneously operatic and anthropological style to a more familiar country that's known for its surrealist bent. High-profile Venice competish slot will ensure the helmers' widest exposure yet, though the image- rather than dialogue-driven pic will remain niche fare commercially. 2012TOR, 2012VENic. RATING: 6.