Reverse

Reverse is a cute little story of two lovers. It is that awkward moment when past lovers meet, hesitant to open up to each other and communicate like the old times. Student Director, Panya Zhu from Thailand, captures this little interlude with all the emotional undercurrents intact and delivers to the viewer with perfection. The protagonist of the film, a writer, finds her separated lover passed out at her doorsteps one day and takes her inside. The film is a conversation between the two, an uncomfortable situation where both find themselves unable to open up to each other about their lives after separation. During that banter, we are told that a lot has changed since, but also that they still harbour strong feelings for each other. 

Director Panya Zhu demonstrates the maturity of a seasoned craftsman, with his narrative. Aptly supporting the storytelling is a clever choice of the volumes for shots, bringing to life on screen, the emotions of the characters and setting the mood of the film. Smart editing moves the story forward by filling in the gaps in the narration, seamlessly. The transitions between memories, dreams and the present flow into one another, giving the story a dreamy, surreal quality, and after a point, it will do the audience good to question, where we are now? In a dream, a memory or in real life?

This well-crafted film with a lovable theme is a delight to watch for its visual beauty, engaging music and slick storytelling. The little event that we have watched, makes us want to know more. How did they separate? And did they live happily ever after?