I like to refer to episodes 4-7, 10, and the special (and arguably episode 3) as the "vignette episodes," as they each introduce new characters whom the central plot of the episode revolves around. This movie does something similar. However, it takes an hour and thirty minutes to do what the vignette episodes do in 20 minutes... and it's still missing a key ingredient.
While the central narrative of each of these episodes focuses on the newly introduced character(s), a clear subplot is present in all of them: Violet's journey to understanding the meaning of love and human emotion in general. The reason these episodes work so well is that the subplot of each is driving forward the primary narrative of the miniseries as a whole.
What this does for the audience is make you feel like both the vignette characters and Violet are gaining ground in their respective journeys simultaneously. The movie misses this aspect, and you will finish realizing you've learned essentially nothing new about Violet; and she's essentially learned nothing new about herself.
Overall, a charming movie in many ways and a brilliant artistic achievement, but mediocre at best in comparison to the miniseries. I may return to watch once again at some point. The miniseries, on the other hand, I'll continue to watch again and again to participate in Violet's journey.
While the central narrative of each of these episodes focuses on the newly introduced character(s), a clear subplot is present in all of them: Violet's journey to understanding the meaning of love and human emotion in general. The reason these episodes work so well is that the subplot of each is driving forward the primary narrative of the miniseries as a whole.
What this does for the audience is make you feel like both the vignette characters and Violet are gaining ground in their respective journeys simultaneously. The movie misses this aspect, and you will finish realizing you've learned essentially nothing new about Violet; and she's essentially learned nothing new about herself.
Overall, a charming movie in many ways and a brilliant artistic achievement, but mediocre at best in comparison to the miniseries. I may return to watch once again at some point. The miniseries, on the other hand, I'll continue to watch again and again to participate in Violet's journey.