My Melbourne Movie Review: An anthology with reflective and authentic storytelling
My Melbourne Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.0 stars, click to give your rating/review,The anthology does not boast high production value, but its visuals are striking, and the music enha
Critic's Rating: 3.0/5
Story: The anthology film comprises four stories that explore identity and belonging, drawing inspiration from real events in Melbourne, Australia. Through its narrative, the film delves into themes of diversity, sexuality, gender, disability, and race.
Review: The anthology opens with Nandini, directed by Onir, which explores the emotional reunion between Indraneel (Arka Das), a queer Indian man, and his estranged father, Mihir (Mouli Ganguly). After years of separation, they reunite in Melbourne to perform the Asthi Visarjan ceremony for Indraneel’s late mother. The narrative delves into themes of grief, reconciliation, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Next comes Jules, directed by Arif Ali, a poignant tale of an unlikely friendship between Sakshi (Arushi Sharma), a newlywed food blogger, and Jules (Kat Stewart), a homeless woman. Despite their vastly different lives, both women grapple with feelings of displacement. As they navigate societal expectations and personal struggles, their bond becomes a source of strength and understanding.
Emma, directed by Rima Das and Samira Cox, follows a passionate young dancer living with Usher's Syndrome, a condition that is gradually impairing her hearing. Despite her undeniable talent, Emma (Ryanna Skye Lawson) faces discrimination and uncertainty about her future in the dance world. When she meets Nathan (Nathan Borg), a successful deaf dancer, his self-acceptance and resilience inspire her to pursue her dreams with newfound determination.
The final segment, Setara, directed by Kabir Khan and Puneet Gulati, tells the story of 15-year-old Afghan refugee Setara (Setara Amiri), who flees the Taliban with her mother and sister, relocating to Melbourne. As they struggle to adapt to a foreign land while carrying the weight of their past, Setara finds a sense of belonging through cricket, using the sport as a means to rebuild her life. Based on her own journey, Setara plays herself in this deeply personal and inspiring story.
While the four narratives are independent, they are connected by a shared setting—Melbourne. Unlike many anthologies, the characters’ paths do not intersect, yet each story transitions smoothly into the next, creating a cohesive viewing experience. The narratives are simple and at times predictable, but their emotional depth keeps the audience engaged. While Jules and Setara maintain a steady pace, Nandini and Emma tend to be slower. Setara stands out for its powerful depiction of displacement, particularly in a poignant moment where Setara’s mother reflects on how she was once a Supreme Court judge in Afghanistan but is now viewed with suspicion in a foreign land.
Some supporting characters, such as Emma’s devoted mother, could have been explored in greater depth. The film offers profound insights, touching on themes such as the intelligence of homeless individuals, the ability to dance without music or sound, and the paradox of fearing freedom more than oppression in an unfamiliar country.
The anthology does not boast high production value, but its visuals are striking, and the music enhances its indie charm. While it will resonate with viewers who appreciate authentic and reflective storytelling, some may find its pacing slow.
Review: The anthology opens with Nandini, directed by Onir, which explores the emotional reunion between Indraneel (Arka Das), a queer Indian man, and his estranged father, Mihir (Mouli Ganguly). After years of separation, they reunite in Melbourne to perform the Asthi Visarjan ceremony for Indraneel’s late mother. The narrative delves into themes of grief, reconciliation, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Next comes Jules, directed by Arif Ali, a poignant tale of an unlikely friendship between Sakshi (Arushi Sharma), a newlywed food blogger, and Jules (Kat Stewart), a homeless woman. Despite their vastly different lives, both women grapple with feelings of displacement. As they navigate societal expectations and personal struggles, their bond becomes a source of strength and understanding.
Emma, directed by Rima Das and Samira Cox, follows a passionate young dancer living with Usher's Syndrome, a condition that is gradually impairing her hearing. Despite her undeniable talent, Emma (Ryanna Skye Lawson) faces discrimination and uncertainty about her future in the dance world. When she meets Nathan (Nathan Borg), a successful deaf dancer, his self-acceptance and resilience inspire her to pursue her dreams with newfound determination.
The final segment, Setara, directed by Kabir Khan and Puneet Gulati, tells the story of 15-year-old Afghan refugee Setara (Setara Amiri), who flees the Taliban with her mother and sister, relocating to Melbourne. As they struggle to adapt to a foreign land while carrying the weight of their past, Setara finds a sense of belonging through cricket, using the sport as a means to rebuild her life. Based on her own journey, Setara plays herself in this deeply personal and inspiring story.
While the four narratives are independent, they are connected by a shared setting—Melbourne. Unlike many anthologies, the characters’ paths do not intersect, yet each story transitions smoothly into the next, creating a cohesive viewing experience. The narratives are simple and at times predictable, but their emotional depth keeps the audience engaged. While Jules and Setara maintain a steady pace, Nandini and Emma tend to be slower. Setara stands out for its powerful depiction of displacement, particularly in a poignant moment where Setara’s mother reflects on how she was once a Supreme Court judge in Afghanistan but is now viewed with suspicion in a foreign land.
Some supporting characters, such as Emma’s devoted mother, could have been explored in greater depth. The film offers profound insights, touching on themes such as the intelligence of homeless individuals, the ability to dance without music or sound, and the paradox of fearing freedom more than oppression in an unfamiliar country.
The anthology does not boast high production value, but its visuals are striking, and the music enhances its indie charm. While it will resonate with viewers who appreciate authentic and reflective storytelling, some may find its pacing slow.
