Sethum Aayiram Pon (2019)

Everything in this movie started off as the most deliciously complex and layered narrative point... only to be completely undone by an overly-simplistic resolution. I would have loved to see the conflicts between the various characters materialise into something more than plot devices there just to drive the story forward. 

The main premise itself was the kind of stuff I usually enjoy- lots of family drama, strong female characters, and rural Tamil Nadu. And honestly, this was not a bad watch at all by any standards. I just wish the narrative had a more consistent approach towards its nuances and character development, instead of trying to be halfway realistic and halfway a typical feel-good film. The story lost itself somewhere in that binary, and I wish it had stuck to its guns a little more. What really saved the movie for me were the performances: each and every actor excelled in their roles, and made the movie more memorable than it would have been otherwise. 

In conclusion, Meera being a complete bitch was a mood and I wish they hadn't let go of that so easily. I love my deranged and obnoxious women (representation is so important). 

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