A well-executed experiment in the Neo-noir genre of films
When it comes to releasing movies with an intense plot and a bankable storyline, the Malayalam film industry can be considered one of the most superior companies in India. Over the last few years, given the pandemic, fans of cinema have been flocking to different movie industries all over the world which explains the boom of the Malayalam film industry.
After being known for his massy roles over the last five decades, mega-star Mammootty has now started growing more experimental with the stories he chooses to deliver, and his 2022 releases are a testament to this fact.
Throughout its 150-minute runtime, Rorschach narrates the story of an NRI man named Luke Antony who has recently returned from Dubai. After meeting with an unexplained accident, Luke’s wife, Sofia goes missing. Just to add to the stakes, Sofia was pregnant when she disappeared.
Worried about his wife’s sudden disappearance, Luke reports the incident to the police. Since there is no trace of Sofia whatsoever, the cops conclude that Luke’s wife was attacked by an animal and suggest he simply move on.
Luke decides to try and find Sofia himself and befriends a villager named Balan. However, it is evident that Luke has more going on under the hood than he’s initially letting on. The story of Rorschach is not extremely complicated to decipher and off the bat, you know that his true motives are much more sinister than what he is leading us to believe.
As the plot progresses, Luke’s true intent is revealed and viewers finally get to understand what the story is all about. Aside from a revenge-addled Luke, the characters of Seetha and Dileep (despite his limited appearance) make a lasting impact.
The concept of legacy and how important it is for souls to attain salvation (moksha) after their death may be alien to most young and modern viewers, but Rorschach attempts to move past that gap and presents a linear plot of revenge.
Luke does nothing to harm the living and every single death or accident in the movie is only a result of different human vices like greed and fear, among others. The story of the movie is strong and its execution definitely takes the cake.
Just like the psychological test, Rorschach can be perceived differently by different viewers, which gives the movie some depth. The movie has a decent pace too, and it does not conceal any plot points from the viewer which makes it a simple watch. However, the ending is something that leaves one shocked and wanting more.
If there is one thing about the movie that really stands out though, it’s the cinematography. In particular the camera work, which is beyond perfect. The cinematic long shots as well as the limited jump scares are enough to keep viewers conflicted between calm and chaos. One scene in particular had a butterfly appear and enter the scene, and we know that Dileep will be making an appearance.
The Rorschach psychological test is represented by a butterfly and it was one moment that made it seem like the writer was starting to poke the minds of the viewers. The OST of Rorschach is unique for a movie of any regional language I have seen in a while.
With all-English sombre tracks playing in the background in the first half of the movie, the songs pick up speed during the chase or fight scenes making one feel the intensity that the characters are feeling. The dialogues were stable throughout the movie and it was Mammootty’s character, Luke’s witty and sarcastic sense of humour, that made me cackle once in a while.
Rorschach is definitely a deep dive into one’s psyche and theorists are already making various assumptions about the way the movie ended. The story is linear but it aims to make the viewer think, which is great for this day and age. Rorshach is currently enjoying global success and it certainly deserves it. This one is well worth a watch!
Read More: Rorschach Ending Explained
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Verdict - 9/10
9/10