Elsa Kremser and Levin Peter's 'White Snail' is a film that defies easy categorization. It’s a haunting, intimate drama born from an unconventional genesis – a model, a mysterious loner, and a setting as stark as a Belarusian morgue. The film’s remarkable journey, culminating in a world premiere at the prestigious Locarno Film Festival, is a testament to the power of improvisation, unexpected connections, and a director’s willingness to embrace the unknown.

The story centers around a young model, Lena (Svetlana Sorokin), who finds herself drawn to a reclusive man, Boris (Denis Shvets), in a remote Belarusian town. Their encounters are shrouded in ambiguity, a delicate dance of attraction and unease. Kremser and Peter deliberately eschewed a rigid script, opting instead to rely on the actors' instincts and the raw atmosphere of the location. This approach allowed Sorokin and Shvets, who had never met before, to organically develop their characters and their complex relationship on the first day of filming.

“We didn’t want to tell a story in a traditional way,” Kremser explains. “We wanted to create a space where the actors could explore and discover things together. The improvisation was crucial to capturing the authenticity and the emotional depth of the film.”

The choice of Belarus as a filming location was equally deliberate. The country's stark landscapes and post-Soviet aesthetic provided a backdrop of quiet melancholy, perfectly complementing the film’s themes of isolation, longing, and the search for connection. The use of a real morgue, while initially unsettling, added a layer of chilling realism to the narrative, amplifying the film's sense of unease and the fragility of life.

The film’s success at Locarno is a significant achievement, not only for Kremser and Peter but also for Belarusian cinema. 'White Snail’s' unique blend of naturalistic performances, atmospheric visuals, and a non-linear narrative has captivated audiences and critics alike. It's a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the power of embracing the unexpected.

What makes 'White Snail' truly special is its ability to evoke emotion and atmosphere without resorting to overt exposition. The film trusts its audience to piece together the fragments of the story, to interpret the meaning behind the characters' actions and silences. This understated approach, combined with the actors' mesmerizing performances, creates a cinematic experience that is both unsettling and profoundly moving.

The film's premiere at Locarno marks a pivotal moment for Kremser and Peter, solidifying their reputation as daring and innovative filmmakers. It also serves as a reminder that the most compelling stories often emerge from the most unexpected places, and that sometimes, the best scripts are the ones you don't write.