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Wild Lotus is a 2021 American independent drama film directed by Amir Naderi and starring Ashleigh Sergeant. The film premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival and was also screened at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film tells the story of a young American woman named Tess who travels to Japan to join a Zen Buddhist monastery and find spiritual enlightenment.

The film opens with a quote by Zen master Dogen Zenji, which sets the tone for the story: "To study the Buddha Way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self." Tess, played by Ashleigh Sergeant, is shown at various points throughout the film repeating these words to herself as she strives to find her place in the monastery.

From the beginning, Tess finds it difficult to adjust to the strict routine and lack of privacy in the monastery. She wakes up before dawn to begin her daily chores, which include cleaning, cooking, and serving tea to the older monks. When she is not working, she spends her time in meditation or practicing martial arts. Her only contact with the outside world is through occasional visits from her mother, who is concerned about her daughter's choice to live such an isolated lifestyle.

As the film progresses, Tess's struggles become more apparent. She is plagued by flashbacks to a traumatic event in her past, which she has repressed but continues to haunt her. She also finds herself developing feelings for a younger monk named Yuto, which goes against the strict rules against intimacy in the monastery.

Despite these obstacles, Tess continues to persevere in her quest for enlightenment. She seeks guidance from the older monks and takes part in a grueling pilgrimage in which she carries a heavy stone on her back for miles through the Japanese countryside. Through these experiences, Tess comes to a greater understanding of herself and her place in the world.

One of the most striking aspects of Wild Lotus is its visual style. Director Amir Naderi has shot the film in black and white, which gives it a timeless quality and emphasizes the stark beauty of the Japanese landscape. The minimalist approach also puts the focus on the faces of the characters, especially Ashleigh Sergeant, whose soulful eyes express a range of emotions throughout the film.

Another notable aspect of the film is its use of sound. Composer Ryuichi Sakamoto has created a haunting score that blends traditional Japanese instruments with modern electronic elements. The sounds of nature, such as rain and wind, also play an important role in the film, adding to its meditative quality.

Overall, Wild Lotus is a moving and thought-provoking film that explores themes of spirituality, identity, and personal growth. Ashleigh Sergeant delivers a nuanced performance that captures the inner turmoil of a young woman striving to find meaning in her life. The film's minimalist style and haunting score make it a memorable and immersive cinematic experience.