Adapted from the 2016 bestselling novel by Deborah Levy, Hot Milk is the directorial debut feature from British Playwright and Screenwriter Rebecca Lenkiewicz. Also featuring a screenplay written by Lenkiewicz, Hot Milk originally premiered at the 75th International Berlin Film Festival, and follows mother Rose (Fiona Shaw: The Tree of Life 2011, IF 2024) and daughter Sofia (Emma Mackey: Death on the Nile 2022, Barbie 2023) on one fateful summer holiday.
Hitting select theaters on June 27, 2025, through IFC Films., it Hot Milk, wheelchair bound due to some mysterious ailment, Rose has decided to consult the rather elusive and expensive Dr Gomez (Vincent Perez: At Eternity’s Gate 2018, An Officer and a Spy 2019) at his private clinic in Spain whilst Sofia has put her studies on hold to accompany her mother. As Rose is treated for a condition that may or may not be psychosomatic, Sofia is left to her own devices.
It is during one of these long summer days that Sofia meets Ingrid (Vicky Krieps: Phantom Thread 2017, Old 2021). Riding along the beach on a horse and wearing a Romany headdress, Ingrid possesses a self-confidence and free spirit that very quickly has Sofia completely entranced by her. Soon, the two begin a relationship, and Ingrid’s confession of a childhood trauma prompts Sofia to contemplate what early traumas Rose may be hiding from her.
There are some films that require a certain degree of patience from the audience, and it is not unfair to say that Hot Milk falls into that category. Similarly to a day in the height of summertime, the film unfolds at a meandering and languid pace. Levy’s novel is a dreamlike and ruminative work, and Lenkiewicz approaches the film in the same manner. Hot Milk is ambiguous in many ways, not least of all its title, which can be interpreted as either a comforting thing or as something that has potentially ‘gone off,’ and much is left for the audience to decide and decipher.
Whilst at times the film’s languidity and ambiguity do threaten to alienate the audience, present throughout is very thoughtful direction from Lenkiewicz. The Spanish setting appears idyllic, and the contrast between the bright, outdoor scenes and the silhouetted figures of Sofia and Ingrid as they kiss into the night is beautiful.
The performances are also a massive draw here. Fiona Shaw is in excellent cantankerous form as Rose, and it is easy to be both completely exhausted by her and completely empathetic towards her. Meanwhile, Emma Mackey has arguably the hardest job as Sofia, who is so much more self-contained – that is, until she isn’t. Sofia must contend with difficult family relationships, all whilst discovering her own sexual awakening, and Mackey plays her as someone who may not always say much but is always a formidable screen presence.
The lack of action and propulsive elements may mean that Hot Milk does alienate some audiences. Still, overall, this is a strong debut from Lenkiewicz, promising good things for her sophomore feature. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Hot Milk 3 out of 5 stars.
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