This is my first written film review on this blog. This happened in the winter of 2021, and I translated and published it only now. The text did not undergo almost any changes, although the desire to add something (make it better) was present. But it is important for me to observe my writing path, changes over time.
This review is as unexpected as watching the movie. The story of the path to Surge (2020), like most others, is a coincidence. I can’t remember where and when, but the teaser stuck in my memory and impressed me so much that I even left a fixed message in Telegram “don’t forget to watch”.
What it is?
Surge (2020) is a suspenseful drama from the beginning to the end (claimed as a thriller), the story of a few hours in the life of an ordinary guy.
This film has everything I love about movies. More precisely, there is the most important thing – sincere curiosity in the state of “now” and “then”.
Every moment on the screen is captivating and keeps you engaged, constantly wondering what will happen next. It’s a genuine magic that cannot be put into words. You have to watch and experience it for yourself.
The script, direction, cinematography, and cast have given their best. Surge (2020) is self-contained, complete, and excellent. I came across it and watched it in the perfect state of mind and mood.
Script
It’s simple, like all ingenious things in this world. If I were asked to summarize the plot in a few words, it would sound meaningless and too ordinary. However, throughout the entire 100 minutes of the film, the blank canvas gradually transforms into a remarkable portrait of the main character’s life.
Dramaturgy, revealing the plot and characters
When it comes to character development, Surge (2020) immediately comes to mind as an exemplary film.
The movie construction is so well-done that you surrender to its simplicity, straightforwardness, and unadorned yet intentionally stretched tense atmosphere. You truly live through these amazing hours of life alongside Ben Whishaw’s character.
I couldn’t recall his name, but that doesn’t matter in this context. Whether it’s Peter, Michael, or Joseph, it’s inconsequential.
The cinematic elements are effectively employed throughout the film. The color scheme, soundtrack, dynamic cinematography, and long takes are all seamlessly integrated. Each aspect contributes to the film without exaggeration, and it feels like the work was done with 102% dedication. It’s a combination of drama and tragedy, organically complementing each other.
Some viewers will sympathize and shed tears with the mother, while others will take a more relaxed perspective, enjoying this journey and finding elements of themselves and their own lives within it.
Guts Surge (2020)
This movie explores various aspects of human existence: family, work, leisure, society, and money. The tension that builds up in the first part eventually overflows, filling every direction. Perhaps this vessel has been filling up for years, even from birth.
Beloved, the only son of a modest family, was born at a respectable age. Until his thirties, he had nothing, absolutely nothing, except for his loving parents and a SURGE of emotions, new experiences, experiments, and adventures tied to his criminal actions.
The main character unfolds and evolves before our eyes, like an adult child. He is kind, innocent, and rebellious, seemingly experiencing freedom for the first time in his life.
He is like a bursting watermelon, with splashes going everywhere, yet remaining simply a watermelon—red, sweet, and delicious, like all others.
Towards the end of the film, during the dialogues with his parents, I realized that this work is nearly impossible to ruin. But the icing on the cake didn’t take long to arrive.
The climax of this somewhat chaotic and tense film is a feeling of contentment, happiness, and absolute enjoyment of life—a real moment of omnipotence over time and complete indifference towards the future.
Happiness.
He found it.
Just as I found satisfaction when I wanted to watch the movie “Surge” and did so.
A pivotal shot, like a bullet of pleasure, is a musical composition — a song that plays before the final heist. The film doesn’t have much music overall, nor does it feature iconic soundtracks that make you want to search them. However, this particular moment is a masterpiece, making me want to watch “Surge” again.
Epilogue
I cannot claim to have been in a state of affect (surge) to accurately define the term. However, I have learned through reliable sources that there is an analogy. And does it truly matter if the name exactly matches its content?
Once again, I am grateful for my intuition. Now I understand why I needed to watch this movie. It ranks among the best, even though I would give it a 9 out of 10. It rightfully earns its place on the list of “Best Movies”.
While it may not be an absolute masterpiece, I highly recommend watching it, particularly for those interested in cinematography and the meticulous execution, completion, and perfect composition of the work.
Movie websites don’t like this film, with low ratings and lackluster reviews. This indicates that the tape is not for everyone. Like many remarkable things in this world, this work of art will be appreciated by a select few, and with those individuals, I shake hands and share a genuine smile of pleasure.
Juice
Great casting, great acting.
Thanks and bow to Ben Whishaw, Ellie Haddington, Ian Gelder.
Young director Aneil Karia is very worthy of a full-length debut. UPD.: In 2022, he won an Oscar with his short film The Long Goodbye. I am sure, he will ignite with new powerful cinema
Briefly about the film: full immersion.
My rating Surge (2020) 9 out of 10
