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First, the Recap:
The value of vengeance. Is there actually such a thing? Upon encountering those times when someone has done wrong to us to such an extent that red is the only color we can visualize, it then becomes the automatic thought to further the feeling by taking drastic action to find appeasement for our anger. But, if that actually comes about, will we have the fortitude to carry out what we’ve pictured in our head, or do we come to another awareness that holds us to another standard? For Tamara (Bianca Stam), this is the reality she now wrestles with in an isolated location where she faces the source of absolute devastation to her life, seeking to rectify the injustice via any and all means necessary. The results are yet to be determined, though, as even with certain inevitability comes the potential for the voice of one’s conscious to emerge.
Next, my Mind:
One of the marvels of indie cinema remains its ability, in the right hands, to navigate a concept that’s been done time and time again and discover a means to make it fresh and engaging enough to stand out from “the usual”. For this critic, the newest short film effort from writer/director/producer Andrew de Burgh along with executive producers Harleen Kour, Sonny Sicat, and Malcolm Sim successfully accomplishes this task in only a little over nine minutes via a strong dramatic effort that utilizes a nicely paced, quietly intense execution and fully character-driven narrative to present its messages about human nature with conviction and realistic, affecting gravitas. Similar to the deeply cerebral approach attained in his feature film “The Bestowal“, de Burgh’s intent to let the film’s style and purpose ascend beyond the “standard” psychological thriller here is what makes me appreciate this project even more.
Immersing us in the harrowing, burning, fractured emotional perspective of a woman wronged and the quest for justice she’s subsequently embarked upon (and is believing has arrived at its ultimate conclusion), the film from the start establishes in beautifully hinted-at form the measures and exertions already explored while then focusing on the aftermath and the ensuing (albeit one-sided) conversation being had with the target of her ire. But, what could have been an even quicker study in either immediate or even anticipated retribution instead takes a pause and allows the story to start delving into the more veiled notions buried under the lead character’s surface, looking at the anatomy of a monster, the search for comprehension of the soulless/heartless mindset, crisis of conscious, the tolls revenge can take on one’s person through multiple facets of experience, what we are or are not capable of when pushed too far, how circumstances that we confront shape us, the “masks” we might hide behind, and the general state of being of humanity.
All of this and even a little more beyond it are given due consideration and as I mentioned above, this is what makes the film the quality piece of art it is. The setting and overall design of what we witness is highly uncomplicated and straightforward, but this is therefore what allows the story itself, the state of affairs being illustrated, the journey of an individual being presented, and the moral and conceptual principals that are brought to light to BE the emphasis and substance, which again, is not in my opinion what a lot of mainstream cinema succeeds in achieving and why independent film is a niche that deserves a LOT more acknowledgement and time to shine. This is a film that makes you think amidst the basic foundational premise and shell it resides in, and one would actually hope we WOULD ponder what we see to actually know ourselves more and realize the truths this narrative provides, whether uncomfortable or not. This really becomes a potent examination of aspects of who we COULD be that is intentionally unnerving as it should be.
By the time the film’s finale arrives, we really receive a punch to the gut that leaves an indelible mark on our mind when we, again, take stock of what’s been delivered through the scenario that’s played out and the ramifications it showcases. This was my first time seeing Stam on screen and, honestly, I must say it leaves me hoping I get the opportunity to see more of this up and coming actress. Here, Stam brings a purposefully understated but wholly powerful and fervent demeanor to her performance as Tamara, a woman who’s been brought to the edge–an edge she would never have envisioned herself reaching or even remotely being in any situation that would warrant it. As she has already taken certain actions to “correct” the wrong done to her and its reverberating consequences that have changed her existence, she begins to truly reflect on everything that’s occurred, trying to find real meaning behind what she’s now involved in, weighing the personal impact it has had and could still have even if she finishes things off to her “satisfaction”.
It really is a stirringly potent image of the shattered heart, mind, and soul that oozes through every dimension and component of Stam’s performance. What I additionally appreciated is that it wasn’t unnecessarily melodramatic or overacted, as often the expression of deep tension can fall into. Rather, Stam delivers it with calm, controlled, and resolute confidence that projects that needed atmosphere of building agitation in the face of the pure evil she’s detained. It’s likewise a believably realistic manner in which Stam brings about the way Tamara expounds on the inner dilemmas she’s experiencing while equating it to the conditions of the world at large and how it all relates to where the situation at hand has come to. It’s an exercise in subtle then more blatant emotional volatility that Stam negotiates very, very well. The only supporting appearance is made by Nicholas de Burgh Sidley as Steve, needless to say a rather key factor in the proceedings who actually manages to emotively embody cold, calculating menace despite the character’s–limitations. Watch the film, folks, watch the film.
So, in total, “The Tortured Soul” is precisely a study in what its title indicates via a myriad of viewpoints initiated through both of the characters portrayed, even if some more by conjecture than others. As expanded on above, it all forms a sobering portrait of the price of revenge, it’s impact on the very core of who we are, who we could be, and what we are capable of, revealing an actuality within us that might not be the most settling to accept or conceive. The question might more so become then–what would it take to reveal it?
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
