Exploring his own past through writing, a young teenager is confronted by a doppelganger that embodies his insecurities and hatred. As the young man struggles through confrontation, both internally and externally, his double begins to become more forceful in trying to dominate his life.
“Catharsis” review is part of the Submit Your Film Initiative
“Catharsis” is a short film that show its inexperience pretty early on, struggling to find a definitive sense of identity. For the most part, this stems from inexperienced actors trying to handle really heavy themes and stumbling to really connect or make their lines believable. Off of this the whole film begins to fall apart in certain elements as intense moments become difficult to invest heavily in. However, that is not to say that the production is without merit, and it certainly reflects some great talent in the rough.
Despite the stunted performances, the script shows a great maturity and ability to tap into a raw, relatable anger. On paper, the struggle of the young man and his confrontations with his other half contrast an outward persona with inner demons in a relatable way for those who have experienced such self doubt and growth from it. The film does feel a bit abrupt in its conclusion, but the actual script work was impactful in its delivery.
The production's technical aspects also reflect a growing talent in Thisen Umagiliya and his crew, since the film has enough visual flair to keep it appealing, and while no shots really stand out, it keeps a consistent quality hard to come by in such an early effort by a filmmaker. Additionally, the score, while not always fitting a scene, is a nice eclectic mix of genres that make for a fun score. Overall, the technical aspects do not feel fully realized but is really impressive feat for the young cast and crew.
“Catharsis” is an interesting exploration of character that is ultimately let down by the filmmaker's inexperience. However Thisen Umagiliya shows a lot of promise, it will be exciting to see how his future projects evolve as he is able to further develop his skills.
