"Three of Us"

 

"Three of Us" is more than a film, it is an experience. It is a simple and poignant exploration of memory, loss and ultimately the power of human relations. The directors have pulled a masterful storytelling trick to deliver a narrative that is unconventional and meaningful without falling into the trap of a melodramatic approach.

The film opens with Shailaja, a woman in the early stages of dementia, who has lost access to her memories. Shailaja retraces her steps to her childhood home to draw on her memories to attempt to reclaim the loss of a sense of self that has been partially obscured. What is particularly compelling about this film is that it does not turn Shailaja's dementia into a terminal illness, as it often is in a 'media sensational', it simply tells the story of a woman and her experience of memory loss in a sensitive and honest way.

The film unfolds in a slow-paced narrative, giving the viewer sufficient time and space to engage in Shailaja's universe. The visual language is also captivating. The cinematography is visually striking and gives life to the landscapes, underscoring the subtle narrative switches in Shailaja's emotional states. Light and shadow, color and composition, all add to an overwhelming emotional journey for the viewer.

The acting is the backbone of "Three of Us." Shefali Shah amazes throughout the film as Shailaja. She captures the character's vulnerability, confusion and instances of lucidity with such grace. It's not acting - it is an enactment of the human condition. Jaideep Ahlawat and Swanand Kirkire do well in supporting roles, both add an important dimension to the narrative. What's more, Shah's performances with Ahlawat and Kirkire are natural and affect down-to-earth occurrences, which in turn enhances the emotional struggle of the whole film.

"Three of Us” is a testament to the amazing potential of storytelling. It’s a film that echoes in your mind long after the movie is over, stirring a contemplation of memory, and love, and to appreciate the moment. Every eater will want to see this film, as it is representative of the melding of emotional resonance and cerebral climate, capturing the sentimentality humanity in a heroic face of adversity.

....✒️ PRAGATI SHARMA