‘Sugar’'s approach to storytelling and visual treatment shows investment of thought, and attention to detail. The film spends a sufficient amount of time dealing with metaphors, symbolism and a stylistic approach that utilizes all of them judiciously. Despite the dreaminess that it wants to bring to the visuals, as colors and frames bleed and mingle with one other, the primary concern that the film wants to discuss is very rooted in the real world. By introducing us to Arjun and Maya, the narrative starts a conversation on addiction and its devastating effects on people and interpersonal relationships. At the heart of it all, rests Sugar, the eponymous antagonist who is more than she appears to be at first glance. When all of these elements are brought together, the film’s well-meaning story is presented to the viewer.

Sugar | Short Film Nominee

The story locates itself in a nondescript, unknown location in the middle of nowhere - an island along a surreptitious coastline, one which makes it impossible for you to leave once the fateful course of events have led you to it. The narrative also wants to invoke questions about the inevitability of fate, humans' complete lack of control in the face of their bestial nature and the extent of violence the instinctive desire to survive can lead one to. The film is further enhanced by remarkable visuals of nature at its intimidating best, special effects that exhibit potential, sophisticated camerawork and angles, and a sincere desire to invoke philosophical engagements with the ideas of existence. However, the accent of the actors comes across as distracting and the film could have benefited from a native accent instead for the dialogues. In terms of the story, as matters come to a head for a man who has found himself stranded on the island with another strange man, the same place where perhaps his friend also went missing, what unexpected, gory events are in store for him? Will he eventually manage to conquer the several threats, both internal and external, that lie ahead on this treacherous path he has unwittingly found himself on?

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