With the outbreak of Covid-19 forcing people into quarantine, many artists began to reinvent themselves to keep creating in the face of confinement, with filmmakers being no exception. However, with the issue of the outbreak still ongoing it becomes difficult to give reflective statements on a situation that is still evolving. “The Confession” By Priyam Chanda, boasts an interesting concept that somewhat misses the mark, in part by being released amongst current social strife in other countries.
To first set the scene, “The Confession” is a five minute short that sees the creator making a confession into the camera. With the camera being an iphone and the man being hidden in shadow, discussing technical approach becomes a moot point, which leaves only the narrative to critique.
Having to bring politics into film critique is something I really despise doing, but to make the only point I can about this film and why its message is marred, is something that must be approached. Ultimately, the production ends on the sentiment that human kindness will trump the situation, and that we as a people have proven we are stronger and can work together. As endearing as a statement may be, it works only within certain regions and even within those regions, there is still a degree of human fault. However this is more of a glaring misstatement with some countries being atrociously neglectful of their people, leading to excess of unnecessary deaths. Of course, since this is still an evolving situation perhaps we can look back and make an overall statement that human kindness aided in beating the virus, but at this point in time, the claim feels empty.
“The Confession” is a hopeful film, which is not inherently a bad thing, but to a cynic like me the narrative is weak and naïve. Overall, the production offers no visual or technical intrigue, and contains a five minute speech which may bother some viewers more then create a sense of community the film tries to boast.
