This Hindi movie is a pretty straightforward slice-of-life story that tries to give a modern look at what it's like to be a single, professional gay man. It dives into how he understands who he is, the chances he missed out on, and the personal choices he’s made along the way. The director used three parallel timelines to tell the story, which honestly didn't make much sense to me. While the core idea was actually pretty interesting, I really feel like this would have worked way better as a short film considering the point it was trying to make. Still, it wasn't a bad watch. The plot centers on Rachit, a city professional, and his friend Shikhar as they hang out for an evening. Rachit is a polished, urban guy, while Shikhar has more of a "small-town" rustic vibe, and you can really see the contrast between them when they talk. As the night goes on, Rachit starts thinking back to some old memories from a long time ago. He remembers being an intern after college in ...
Pepijn, is a freelance writer and Sjors works in a corporate company. They have been in a relationship for seven-years and have been exploring the idea of traveling the world. Their plans hit a roadblock when Sjors invites student Cas, new to town to sleep on their sofa without asking Pepijn for a few days till he gets settled. Quickly Pepijn begins to obsess over Sjors relationship with Cas and it brings out insecurities in their relationship. But soon enough, Pepjin himself begins to fall for Cas’ charms. In the meantime, clearly there are communication challenges between the couple. Pepjin wants to travel but Sjors is not very sure. Also they want to ask their best friend to carry baby for them as a surrogate. In between all this. after a drunken night out, the three of them end up having sex which gets repeated a few times. The couple keeps checking with each other if they are ok, but something is off. They decide to end things with Cas and ask him to leave. The true test of their relationship begins now. Sjors is happy in a more settled life but this is not what Pepjin signed up for. He feels he misses the old adventurous Sjors, whom he met when he had just come back after traveling more than half the world. The duo decide to break up. Pepjin needs to expand his wing and follow his passion.
This film actually shows us a lot in a short running time. We see a long-term relationship where two people have become comfortable and forgotten how to voice their wants and needs. Cas’ arrival makes both men think about what they actually want and they’re excited by having a hot, young boy living with them. The whole dynamics between the duo change rapidly. First Pepjin thinks that Sjors is cheating on him with Cas but as he gets to know Cas better, he finds himself attracted to him. There are some nice sexual tension between Cas and both individuals. And it's stuff like that, in my mind, which makes this film very real and relatable. From acting perspective, its Pepjin that overshines completely. he goes through a range of emotions in t his film and does an amazing job of putting them across. That doesn't take away from the fact that the other 2 actors are equally good. Thankfully the film doesn't make Cas to be the bad guy. At no point is he trying to seduce any of the guys, but he is young, so he is not going to refuse advances made by them. The film could ave avoided the whole surrogacy angle would be my constructive feedback.
A fascinating look at a long-term relationship where communication starts to become a challenge. Their situation changes drastically but they have both grown up as individuals during this time. Not many films show thing so up, close and personal. (7.5/10)
Comments