‘The Family Table’ is a disturbing film to watch, simply because of how unabashedly it holds the mirror up to society. The scene, theatrical in its core and approach, is of a dining table where a group enjoys a lavish meal, while a woman, the mother, serves the food in an anxious frenzy. 

The metaphors that the ensuing drama offers are not only crucial and powerful but also executed with seamlessness and ease. The writing, screenplay, performances, and swift camera movements all aid this portrayal. As the endless appetites of those at the table continue to grow, so does the anxiety and frenzy around it, leading to the most devastating and troubling conclusions. 

By way of its story, the film presents the dysfunctionality of a familial unit that simmers under the surface, threatening to spill over at the slightest provocation. The final result becomes a very comprehensive and cohesive whole, lucid in the communication of its ideas, and competent and sophisticated in the expression of its intentions.

The Family Table | Short Film Nominee

The film constructs its world gingerly, revealing each detail in an organic manner. Twenty-three-year-old Raghav is on his way to meet a woman as part of some seedy arrangement. However, he is in for the most horrifying shock when he finds his fate hanging between a life of ruin, or eternal damnation in a purgatory consumed by only lust. The decision of this outcome is in the hands of the eponymous Gumraaj, the younger brother of Yamraj, whose raison d'etre is to punish and control a humankind gone astray. 

While Raghav’s life may be of youth, it is not devoid of darkness, licentiousness, and indulgence dictated by misogyny, unrestricted lust, and objectification of women. By presenting a story that weaves in elements of horror, thrill, and fantasy, the film presents a social commentary on all of these issues. Care is taken to ensure it does not become an overbearing morality tale, instead remaining engaging and thoughtful throughout for the viewer. Consequently, the film’s world-building and storytelling become its most notable strengths. The performances, as well as the chemistry between the two primary characters, further support the endeavor. 

 

The end result loses some points when it comes to the seamlessness of the edit, but it is a small characteristic, easy to overlook in the face of the realm that the film conjures. The developments remain unexpected and meaningul, forever sustaining and maintaining the motivations of its characters as well as the plot that, in turn, keep pushing the film forward.

Gumraaj | Short Film Nominee

A man, Arjun, sits alone, locked in a room away from the world. He drowns himself in all kinds of substances and debauchery, smoking one cigarette after another, while emptying several alcohol bottles. 

Rejected in love, he spends his time obsessing over Sony. However, as he drowns in obsession and lust, he is paid a visit by a stranger. By conjuring a brutal event of gore and splatter, the film shares its core philosophy with the viewer in a manner they would not expect. Along with highlighting the significance of overcoming the feebleness of character from within, allowing yourself to make wiser decisions, the film also draws one’s attention to the role of ancient philosophy in achieving the same.

The Positive | Short Film Nominee

Lust sometimes comes garbed as love, and by the time the realisation of the truth dawns, irrevocable acts might have already been committed. Confining its visuals only to two pairs of hands, a man's and a woman's, the short film explores the same situation. 

Most Viewed

Genres

Awards

Follow Us

Quick Links