WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The universe of language. While we primarily assess the notion and value of communication via spoken words, conversations, and perhaps overt dissemination of all that we wish to convey, is it not evident the concept travels so far beyond the foundational premise the word evokes? For when we are open to realize other forms of discourse that present themselves beyond verbal or other common form, might that not connect us even more in heart, mind, and spirit? In the hustle and bustle of The Big Apple, Wahid (Saleem Nasir Gondal) struggles to perceive the domain around him due to a hearing deficit, but strives to comprehend all that he can, even when sometimes faltering. When he meets Samar (DaMonique Ballou) at a party through the expressive medium of dance, they bond and enter into a journey that will teach them both about what’s really important to hear–and not.
Next, my Mind:
Originally screened as a part of the “Manhattan Shorts” line-up with its New York Premier at the inaugural NYC SAFF 2019, it was a gift to see its return as part of the “Shorts Rewind” programming at the 2020 ECSA: Escapist Cinema of South Asia online film festival presented by Jingo Media and sister festivals DFW SAFF and NYC SAFF. This amazingly touching, soul-stirring, brilliantly formulated, astutely executed 15-minute effort from writer/director/actor Gondal and producer Sofia Geld completely redefines the idea of selective hearing, the nature of attraction, the beauty and allure of motion, and the acknowledgement that there are so many facets of what’s around us that truly is, quite simply, “blah, blah, blah”. There’s such a beautiful dichotomy demonstrated in how the film addresses Wahid’s condition, as it is willing to tackle both the character’s frustrations with his handicap as well as the utterly opposite, emotionally moving wonder of when we finds someone in Samar who actually makes the effort to see beyond that, much less to then have such a deeply intense and building romance bloom utilizing dance as the catalyst.
Furthermore, the narrative doesn’t shy away from showcasing the moments of hesitations and uncertainties between the two even when they’ve experienced such a potent joining when meeting, as for Wahid to fully express his feelings and explain his perspectives on everything around him to her is not necessarily comfortable, and her own guard is up. Yet, it’s a tale of perseverance and mutually beneficial understanding when they see if they can push through the barriers and discover a lasting relationship, though whether this will find completion is left enough to conjecture to where your heart is warmed, a smile comes to your face, and you breathe that longing **sigh** after being swept up in all the nuances the film offers. A primary fascination here is the smartly fantastic use of sound, both full on and muffled, that gives us as the viewer such a raw, vivid, and learned insight into a reality that mutes the literal sound, yes, but almost becomes a somewhat enviable place to think about being if we were to be able to shut out so much of life’s needless cacophony.
Given the realism Gondal brings to the role he plays, it makes perfect sense in that the filmmaker is literally dealing with the actual condition in real life that his character is, and therefore it adds an entirely believable, affecting dimension to Wahid, a man trying to find his place within a world and literally a city where clamor, racket, and mostly verbal tumult is the order of the day. Attempting to reach anyone he can while at a party he’s attending, the efforts are being met with less than solid results, becoming a hinderance to any sense of enjoyment. But, not throwing in the towel, he makes his own entertainment happen, which ends up catching the eye of a particular party guest he begins to identify with. As he opens up to her and their anxieties drop, Wahid discovers a surprising and growing adoration and affection for her that transcends any limitations. It’s a heart-string pulling performance and, this critic feels anyway, an inspirational battle cry of success for the hearing-impaired community as well as anyone in general, and Gondal just nails it.
But, not to be remotely undersold in the proceedings is Ballou in her role as Samar, a beautiful African-American woman whose certainly focused on doing her own thing while at the same party as Wahid, choosing to, literally, move to her own beat and the beat of the club-style music while actually intentionally ignoring most others in attendance. Even upon noticing Wahid for the first time, there may or may not be any real notice of him at all, despite his initial tries at getting her attention. But, as the music keeps playing, they are drawn inexorably to each other and the first wave of excited air of budding magnetism takes hold in a wholly non-verbal way that impacts her wonderfully. As they choose to further explore this newfound fondness, the reality of Wahid’s state of being still takes her a bit to ease into, but once it hits, there is no doubt left that she has found a kindred spirit in life outlook and desired companionship, which we hope continues after the final scenes disappear. Throughout, Ballou is so effectively passionate yet quietly graceful.
So, in total, “Super Sonic” delivers a highly necessary message of awareness while providing a rewarding, satisfying, and tangibly potent look at the world through the ears of one who doesn’t hear it like most of us do, and it is this angle of attack the film takes that gives it the intended impact it does. May we all learn how to listen better, filter out the babel, and allow ourselves to get centered in on what’s most important in life, love, and just being human, where supposed frailties can actually be strengths to learn about and from.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
