WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The snare of monotony and/or the routines that so often accompanies it. Seemingly more and more, we as people tend to allow ourselves to get comfortable, even in circumstances less than ideal, simply existing, without giving any real thought to the fact we’re actually stuck. The question then arises–do we remain beguiled, or instead awaken and find a means to break free? It is a mundane life currently for one man named Ryan (Georgui Kasaev), who goes about his daily regimens–work, sleep, work, sleep–without any true regard for the realization he’s trapped within a prison of his own choices. Oblivious, Ryan continues on as if everything he knows is normal.
However, one particular night, his methodical reveries are disturbed by a unique outside force that prompts him to think about taking a better assessment of exactly where he is in life, to analyze it in more detail, and ideally find a place of revived fervor and purpose. Initially refusing to truly accept or heed his insistent “guide’s” advice, it takes a moment with his IT-based job’s boss Ted (Joseph Landon Hart) to finally notice something is indeed “off”. Seeing that everything from his work, to his relationships, to even Ted and fellow coworkers (Sam Hadid, Taylor James, & Michael Ross) are all just “there” rather than invested in his well-being and future dreams, Ryan strives to see if a tangible escape is possible from the labyrinth he’s in.
Next, my Mind:
The beauty of indie film is that it certainly isn’t afraid to be a little “out there” when it comes to themes and/or visual presentations that are evident yet abstract, clear yet surreal, and/or uncomplicated yet contemplative. All of this is certainly the case with writer/director/cinematographer/editor Gaurie Bonsley and producer/cinematographer/editor Cheytan D’Veykar’s 16-minute -debut short film effort that, granted, showcases a first-timer’s “we’re-in-the-learning-stages-via-having-no-budget” execution, still manages to offer the viewer an evocative message with a sci-fi bend that reminds one of, perhaps, “The Matrix” meets “1984”. It is still a tad confusing at first until one sits back and really begins to grasp the highly relevant, real-world notions and ideologies being explored that speak greatly to our society’s tendencies towards allowing ourselves to become so overtly caught up in career and formulaic patterns of daily actuality that we totally miss the simple fact we’re missing out ON life itself. Rather than being totally alive, we’re more like zombies, lumbering along, believing we’re satisfied and fulfilled when nothing could be farther from the truth. It takes a catalyst to snap us out of it in order to become so much more aware of bigger and better things around us, and the film does deliver this within the context of its basic visuals and dialogue. It’s the need to look beyond the surface to its heart.
Kasaev does a good job in his portrayal of Ryan, a man completely entrapped by the concept that his virtually robotic life is all good and has him exactly where he desires to be. Going about everything each day where work is king and other potential relationships he could find more life in are pushed to the side, even as an unseen but powerful force keeps him immersed in it all. When a new outside influence wakes him up from his “slumber”, it becomes a genuinely life-altering time for Ryan, and in his awakening, we see how much others within his circle are just as in need of help as he is. Watching as Ryan encounters this change in perspective is decently enacted by Kasaev throughout. The primary supporting turn is present here from Hart as Ryan’s no-nonsense boss Ted, who like so many managers, is driven solely be seeing results achieved, no matter what it takes or the toll it might place upon those under him. Yet, a key moment happens for Ted that puts a apropos thematic perspective in the character’s path, melding nicely into the film’s grander narrative. Additional appearances are made by Hadid, James, and Ross as co-workers of Ryan’s, along with the “unseen force” that has control over events unfolding in the world until people get woken up by another.
In total, with its well-conceived, inward-looking, thought-required approach, “Chakra-Vyooh” is a fine little indie short film debut where one, ideally, can look past any present technical faults or lack of polish and entertain the greater message put in play, therefore getting to the core of what these two up-and-coming filmmakers desired to impart.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
Thanks for sharing, Robin 🙂