Family Review: Don Palathara’s Vinay Forrt Movie Is A Detailed Excursion Into The Lives Of Less Mortals And Flawed ‘Good Samaritan’s’
Don Palathara”s feature film, “Family,” released in theatres on February 22, offers a profound and intricate exploration into the lives of ordinary individuals, anchored by the compelling performance of versatile Malayalam actor Vinay Forrt. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque village in the western ghats of Kerala, the film unfolds as a silent yet potent narrative, delving deep into the complexities of human existence.
One of the most striking aspects of “Family” is its silent but evocative portrayal of characters. With minimal introduction, the characters seamlessly blend into the fabric of everyday life, emphasizing their normality and familiarity. Palathara”s direction, along with the script he wrote with Sherin Catherine, ensures that the viewer is drawn into the movie, devoid of preconceived expectations, allowing the narrative to unfold organically.
The lush greenery of the western ghats serves as a permanent visual treat throughout the film, with the scenic backdrop enhancing the immersive experience. Even the breeze captured on screen feels like a character, subtly weaving its way into the narrative.
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At the heart of the story lies the protagonist, Soni, portrayed with depth and nuance by Vinay Forrt. Soni is depicted as an unmarried, educated, and morally upright individual, yet flawed in his personal life. When confronted with a compromising situation involving a teenage girl, the society”s perception of him as a “Good Samaritan” clashes with the harsh reality of his actions, and people around him come out in support of ‘well-behaved’ Soni in the ‘Family’. This duality of perception and reality forms a central theme of the movie, offering an exploration of human nature.
“Family” skillfully navigates themes of identity, societal norms, and most importantly the Christian life in a hill village, providing a nuanced portrayal of inner struggles and interpersonal dynamics. With minimal dialogue, the film relies on Palathara”s detailed presentation and Forrt and co’s compelling performance to convey the complexities of its characters and conflicts.
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“Family” is a captivating cinematic experience that immerses the viewer in the lives of its characters, offering an effective reflection on the intricacies of human existence and the blurred lines between perception and reality.
Director: Don Palathara
Writers: Don Palathara, Sherin Catherine
Cast: Vinay Forrt, Divya Prabha, Abhija Sivakala, Nilja K Baby, Mathew Thomas among others
