ADiff review: ‘Brothers’ is the home movie to end them all

Light House 3, Saturday 20th, 4pm; and Wednesday 24th, 4pm

“Don’t ask those existential questions,” one subject of this persuasive documentary asks his mother (who is also the film-maker). “That’s what life’s about . . . and this film,” Aslaug Holm replies.

Is life about that? Maybe in Norway. Is that what the film is about? Not so much. Holm set out to track her sons’ growth and development over 10 years. She began, in 2007, by following Lukas, then five, on his first day at school with the elder Markus. If this were fiction, the two would grow up as convenient complements. In fact, they get on well enough. Markus loves football. Lukas is a little more cerebral.

The lack of noise and conflict allows us space to ponder the universality of this particular. Elegantly edited, tender in its reserve, Brothers is the home movie to end them all.

Can't see this? Try Hail, Caesar! the latest Hollywood satire from the Coen brothers. The Savoy, Saturday 20th, 11.30am