Iz Ahmed is one of my big favorites and I was looking forward to seeing this movie. I quickly realized that this is nowhere near the same qualities as Sound of Metal, Riz Ahmed's amazing performance.
And it is not Riz Ahmed's fault that this is not top notch.
Basically, I think this is an interesting plot. It's about finding your own way, breaking with old family traditions, religion and how to cope with serious, chronic illness.
What ruined a lot of the film for me was a messy direction and editing. The action jumps from present, past, there are noisy and fussy dream sequences which I did not like. The film's characters are also noisy and there is a lot of tiresome sound that takes the focus away from the good dialogues that the film also has.
But a film with Riz is not bad. He elevates this film as well, to above average. He is believable as a person whose life is turned upside down, and who must define a completely new life. I could only wish that the filmmakers had stuck to this narrative, and not chopped up the plot with so many scenes that spoil the overall impression.
And it is not Riz Ahmed's fault that this is not top notch.
Basically, I think this is an interesting plot. It's about finding your own way, breaking with old family traditions, religion and how to cope with serious, chronic illness.
What ruined a lot of the film for me was a messy direction and editing. The action jumps from present, past, there are noisy and fussy dream sequences which I did not like. The film's characters are also noisy and there is a lot of tiresome sound that takes the focus away from the good dialogues that the film also has.
But a film with Riz is not bad. He elevates this film as well, to above average. He is believable as a person whose life is turned upside down, and who must define a completely new life. I could only wish that the filmmakers had stuck to this narrative, and not chopped up the plot with so many scenes that spoil the overall impression.