WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
Tragedy can strike at any time, in many forms, and effect us in countless ways. It can often be the burden of losing someone close to us–a friend, relative, or perhaps a spouse–unexpectedly, and the weight of dreams that will never come to pass with them can be a heaviness not easily lifted. One Man (Erhan Sancar) attempts to sift through this exact, painful, plight.
In the process of writing an account of all the passions, aspirations, yearnings, and hopes they had together and planned to see materialize, he finds himself stumbling over the final page, which would close the book, but also that life chapter, on a dream home he and his wife Nihan (Sevgi Ucgayabasi) were about to enjoy together. Even with his Sister (Alsen Buse Aydin) trying to help, can this man truly let go and move on.
Next, my Mind:
This reviewer’s path crossed with Azerbaijan-based writer/director/producer Tofiq Rzayev in 2015 via his two solid short film offerings “The Girl In The Woods” and “The Cleaner”. With those efforts behind him, Rzayev comes into 2016 with this 13-minute short film gem that truly illustrates a maturing skill as a filmmaker. From the mood-appropriate lighting and excellent, overall, emotion-inducing cinematography, to the perfect casting, this stands as a sign of the growth and expanding pallet that Rzayev has to offer the indie film arena.
Sancar, in a purposely understated role as The Man, completely embodies the pain, longing, and heartache of someone who truly has to face the harsh realities of losing someone so close to him that he can still feel her presence wherever he is, not to mention simply trying to finish their story while sitting in the house that was to become their final dream. Aydin, as the Sister, also emotes well here, trying desperately to close the door on the loss herself while having to face the pain of his suffering over his book’s last entry.
Ucgayabasi, for her brief moments, is a suitably subtle yet potent voice in her husband’s ear. In total, “Nihan: The Last Page” stands as Rzayev’s best work to date and only makes one anticipate even more now the upcoming short film efforts he has on the plate.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
