The Apple TV+ catalog has added the film “Fingernails,” which in a non-obvious form reflects on love, fate, and prejudices.

Director Christos Nikou in the film “Fingernails” turns to what is commonly called a “high concept.” In the world invented by the Greek, love can be measured – just compare a couple’s nails, and it becomes clear whether two people are truly in love. Because of this simple, albeit painful process (can anything be more disgusting than tearing off nails?!), society is in harmony – lovers who pass the test live peacefully and without doubt, while those who fail simply part ways without tormenting each other.

Under these conditions, an institution arises designed to help couples succeed and go for the test more confident in each other’s feelings. Anna (Jessie Buckley) gets a job at this establishment and becomes the assistant of enthusiast Trevor (Riz Ahmed), together they conduct classes for couples (the “lessons” themselves are perhaps the most interesting part of the story: here lovers recognize each other by smell, look into each other’s eyes underwater, and so on).

The plot is spiced up by the fact that Anna previously took the test with her partner (played by Jeremy Allen White from ), and it was 100% positive. However, something makes the girl doubt either her feelings or her loved one’s attitude. Because of this, the viewer immediately understands that they will now be offered to observe a classic love triangle.

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Open material

It is this part, which gets the most screen time, that turned out to be the weakest. It is predictable, lacks bold moves, and even the simple twist that was obviously called for and could have elevated “Fingernails” from a run-of-the-mill melodrama to at least an interesting film was spinelessly ignored.

Unlike another Greek, Yorgos Lanthimos and his somewhat similar “The Lobster”, Nikou not only hesitates to develop his original concept about predetermination and injustice, even into the realm of absurd and surreal cinema, but simply fails to realize the narrative and thematic potential.

During viewing, one gets the feeling that the main character is practically the only person doubting the notorious test and placing her beliefs above technology, and the danger of this testing is not even considered. In short, it’s no “Black Mirror.”

The lack of sharpness, prickliness, and boldness in the story is compensated by wonderful actors who, even on not the deepest material and rather sparsely written dialogues, skillfully play their parts, clearly demonstrating that love is, as usual, a little more than just an algorithm.

Is the film “Fingernails” worth watching?

“Fingernails” proves that one original concept and excellent actors on screen are not enough for a film to turn out truly great. And despite the obvious and significant pluses of the picture, it is more of a miss for Christos Nikou than a hit, even though the work came out on Apple TV+, which is symbolic for him personally.

Trailer: