Level Cross is a 2024 Malayalam psychological thriller and the directorial debut of Arfaz Ayub. Here, the movie relates emotionally complex themes through a dreamlike storyline along an arid, isolated landscape.
The story is all about Raghu, who guards a far-off railway crossing and has a solitary life till Chaitali falls from a train. Helping her get back on her feet develops a bond between them; they share their past tormented lives: Chaitali's fleeing a bad marriage and Raghu's personal demons. All these are complicated by Dr. Zincho, thereby adding layers of tension and introspection to the story.
It brings depth of psyche along with symbolic storytelling into the reality and illusion of love and betrayal, relationship, and so much more. The visuals remind one more of the emotional barrenness of the characters through the desolate landscapes captured by cinematographer Appu Prabhakar.
Very critical reception. Highly acclaimed, despite mixed reception, for aesthetic ambition, thematic depth and haunting atmosphere, but may be found wanting in actual presentation. It would appeal more to the tastes of its audience who appreciate complex or cerebral storytelling but would by no means satisfy those more interested in being fulfilled in traditional fare. **Level Cross** is a singularly very unique contribution Malayalam cinema can boast by sheer dint of its nonconformist sensibility, psychological complexity.
The story is all about Raghu, who guards a far-off railway crossing and has a solitary life till Chaitali falls from a train. Helping her get back on her feet develops a bond between them; they share their past tormented lives: Chaitali's fleeing a bad marriage and Raghu's personal demons. All these are complicated by Dr. Zincho, thereby adding layers of tension and introspection to the story.
It brings depth of psyche along with symbolic storytelling into the reality and illusion of love and betrayal, relationship, and so much more. The visuals remind one more of the emotional barrenness of the characters through the desolate landscapes captured by cinematographer Appu Prabhakar.
Very critical reception. Highly acclaimed, despite mixed reception, for aesthetic ambition, thematic depth and haunting atmosphere, but may be found wanting in actual presentation. It would appeal more to the tastes of its audience who appreciate complex or cerebral storytelling but would by no means satisfy those more interested in being fulfilled in traditional fare. **Level Cross** is a singularly very unique contribution Malayalam cinema can boast by sheer dint of its nonconformist sensibility, psychological complexity.
Category
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Short film