Cold Souls (2009)

Cold Souls (2009) is a unique metaphysical tragicomedy that explores a world where souls can be extracted and traded as commodities, offering a stark contrast to the shiny, bigger, better American consumerism. The film walks a fine line between deadpan humor and pathos, as well as reality and fantasy. It stars Paul Giamatti as himself, grappling with his portrayal of Uncle Vanya and overwhelmed by anxiety. He discovers a solution through a New Yorker article about a high-tech company that promises to alleviate suffering by deep-freezing souls. Giamatti seeks their services, planning to retrieve his soul after his performance. However, things take a turn when a mysterious soul-trafficking "mule" borrows his soul for a talentless soap-opera actress. Left soulless, Giamatti must track down his soul to the grimy streets of St. Petersburg, learning that true happiness comes from embracing the full range of emotions. Sophie Barthes’s debut feature is notable for its haunting concept and poetic execution, with striking production design and lyrical cinematography creating a melancholic, heightened world. Giamatti and a talented ensemble navigate the shifting ontological landscapes with ease, making this a dazzling accomplishment that establishes Barthes as a formidable auteur.