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Short Film Review: The Twilight Zone (2020) by Anirban Dutta

” is imagining humans as birds. Here's their attempt to break free and run off to faraway in quest of their destinies and leave behind the natural catastrophes. In search of their discovery in a peaceful solitary world humans see themselves as birds of the twilight.”

With a synopsis that can only really be well described by the director, “The Twilight Zone” is an experimental interpretation on human interaction and perception. Oscillating images between birds on a roof and cold mechanical lighting offer the only thematic elements in the production. Consequently, the narrative strength of the short film rests largely on the viewer's own personal interpretations; where some find depth, others may find a frustrating lack of content.

However, with a lack of narrative to comment on, there are other elements of the production which can be addressed from a critical standpoint, notably in the sound design. Herein lies the real strength of the production, which makes the structure palatable regardless of audiences' reactions to experimental narrative. The sound design is almost impeccable, making strong shifts between nature and mechanical noises, and a soundtrack that incorporates electronic dance, noise, and traditional music. Ultimately, what should have been a hellish cacophony of noises, blends together in a really masterful and engaging way.

The sound design blends well with the visuals. Although they do not make as strong an impact, the transition between the outside shots at the lights does create a somewhat hypnotic effect. However, this could be contributed to the wonderfully disorienting sound design that integrates so well with the images. Regardless, the mix of visuals and sound creates a constant pull between the senses, which disorients viewers in a wholly positive way.

's feature length debut “Jahnabi” showcased a great understanding of visuals and sound design, while being slightly isolating in content. Consequently, the follow up short film carries the same impressive approach to establishing a strong aesthetic, but even further isolates as a narrative work. However, as an experience (which is probably the intent), the production offers up an unnerving visual audio experience that is deeply engaging.

About the author

Adam Symchuk

Adam Symchuk is a Canadian born freelance writer and editor who has been writing for Asian Movie Pulse since 2018. He is currently focused on covering manga, manhwa and light novels having reviewed hundreds of titles in the past two years.

His love of film came from horror and exploitation films from Japan that he devoured in his teens. His love of comics came from falling in love with the works of Shuzo Oshimi, Junji Ito, Hideshi Hino, and Inio Asano but has expanded to a general love of the medium and all its genres.

  • Wow ! This is amazing ! Brilliant rather. He is now upto making all these experimental stuff, I had no idea !! Thank you Adam , you and your team for bringing out these plentiful works. Could we possibly have the link to see the film ? Thank you again.

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