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Short Film Review: SECRETS (2020) by Souradeep Datta

A Haunting soundscape, and intimate visuals, perfectly frames the weight of the secrets we keep from one another.

“We're trained by the society and popular culture to bury within us, when It's not rooted in our instincts to keep them like this. Therefore it brings the inevitable struggle & conflict. Our persistent trials of escapism only lead to more silent sufferings. But, the question is, are we alone in this journey?”

“SECRETS” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative

Director proved a strong command on visual presentation and audio soundscapes with his debut film “Colour Palette of a Soldier“. In his follow up, “Secrets”, the director further develops his technical skills while offering a more concrete narrative. As a result, the production shows both growth and an understanding of previous strengths.

As mentioned, the sound and visuals play a key part in the success of the short film. Notably, both elements create a sense of intimacy which captures the subjects' desperation and anxiety. With the short being silent, the score stands out in wonderfully conveying atmosphere, transitioning between meditative/simple sounds, into a cacophony of noise that is masterfully balanced to compliment the narrative. Ultimately, the production's use of sound and visuals shows a deep understanding of how to best present a concept.

Largely free of dialogue, it is difficult to comment on the performances within the film. However, the lead actor compliments the atmosphere crafted through the strong audio/visual presentation. The location work also deserves special mention, as the backdrop is beautifully explored under the cinematography of Datta.

“Secrets” is a film that asks the audience to look introspectively at their own struggles in bearing the weight of unspeakable truths. This request succeeds under the stylings of Datta, offering an engaging and reflective experience. Feeling like a great scene in a larger production makes the future look bright for the budding director. “Secrets” is a film that should not be missed.

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.

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