WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Hopelessness is a void, an expanse that can pull us down under its invisible yet tangible weight. Faced with potentially fatal choices while in such a state of being, we contemplate what circumstances have brought us to this place bereft of any aspiration, assurance, or plan–other than to escape the internal pain we feel. Yet, what if the greater universe has a different solution? For a highly successful but ultimately unhappy businessman named Steven Karius (Sam Brittan), these elements are pondered while sitting alone in his palatial home, representation of all the work he has accomplished, the material possessions he’s obtained, and the lonely, dissatisfied soul he now claims within, seeking only to be released forever.
However, even as what could be his final moments come about, Steven finds himself no longer alone, for Death (Sharmita Bhattacharya) has come calling. Surprised and somewhat baffled by the sudden emergence of this otherworldly being who’s chosen to appear as a young, mesmerizingly beautiful woman, Steven initially doubts and challenges any notions that the encounter could be real, even as the pair begin to engage in a philosophical discussion about Steven’s life, where he’s been, where he’s at, as well as the state of the world and his place in it. Expanding beyond this to a universal level, Steven ends up embarking on an unexpected and fantastical journey of self-discovery that illustrates how hope should never be lost and being a vessel of change isn’t impossible.
Next, my Mind:
Engaging, slow-burn, character-based drama that honors the cerebral thematic explorations found in films like “Interstellar”, “Arrival”, and “Annihilation” is what marks the debut indie feature film effort from writer/director/producer Andrew de Burgh. Sacrificing the usual epic visual presentation found in most science fiction-infused efforts, this 90-minute foray into the oft-scrutinized questions and arguments encompassed by reality, religion, philosophy, life, death, the hereafter, and fantasy manages to solidly mold them all together and then enfold it into a multi-chapter execution via an ongoing dialogue formed between one suicidal man and a eternal celestial being. Now, while all of this in general has been done before across the ever-widening range of filmdom, what stands out for this reviewer here is the fact that it virtually forces you to have to take time to think about the concepts being discussed by the characters and how it could literally apply to our own ideas of these themes within our lives while still being entertained by the more fictionally wondrous facets presented like parallel universes, alternate realities, and immortality. Regardless of what you believe, there are so many relevant and evocative messages found here when the viewer looks beyond the foundational postulations that it just reinforces, for me anyway, what the ongoing beauty of independent cinema allows for in not being afraid to trade what’s perhaps “expected” and instead deliver a more challenging narrative and uncomplicated look in order to create an analytical/theoretical product that’s worth investing time and patience in. Plus, the anti-suicide thrust and encouragements to be about helping others to make the world a better place are always subjects which are necessary and deeply pertinent.
Brittan needs to be given more than due credit for his intentionally understated yet keenly emotional performance as Steven, a businessman who, on the surface, has everything “The American Dream” stands for, while also possessing the distinctly self-absorbed mentality that so often accompanies it. However, having come to the harsh realization that none of it has actually made him truly content, much less fulfilled, the extreme choice to end his life manifests. Yet, in that moment of finality, he receives a totally unanticipated, yet apropos, visitor in Death, which throws his whole “plan” into an initially confused and doubting state of mind. As he opens himself up to the existence of this entity, though, he begins to see his life through different eyes which leads to a transformation on multiple levels that will forever change his drive to live and desire to make an impact on the world that serves so many above and beyond himself. It’s a sincere metamorphosis, and watching the character experience it is very well-played by Brittan.
Along the same lines, there’s no taking away at all from the wonderfully nuanced and frankly unpredictably stirring character presented through Bhattacharya’s performance as Death, the usually ominous presence who appears in one’s final moments to usher the soul into the next world. But, in choosing to appear as a ethereally stunning woman, it lends a different air to the proceedings as she confronts Steven’s initially “doom & gloom” demeanor and slowly shapes it into the total opposite while also exploring her own sense of being in discussing the subjects they do and being asked the questions Steven offers up. As a mutual journey commences, there’s a depth of connection the two have that certainly transcends any usual perceptions of who Death is and how such a being should react, if at all, to a mortal’s words and actions, and it lends such a moving scope to the story as that relationship develops. Honestly, it makes Death much less intimidating when seen as more of a calming but still resolute being that one might almost desire to interact with like portrayed here, and it’s Bhattacharya’s steady enacting of the character that brings this to life so well with poise and enchanting grace.
In total, with its universal themes, character-driven narrative, straightforward delivery, and clever mix of philosophy-meets-science fiction, “The Bestowal” is a worthy indie feature film debut from a rising star that should be given due consideration for fearlessly providing us with an equally entertaining and thought-provoking reminder that sometimes, especially when we face overt desperation thinking there’s no escape, that it’s all a matter of perspective.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
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