The non-linear structure of Munjal Yagnik’s debut aims at Memento-like noir but doesn’t gather the narrative shards into a compelling whole
Mulholland Drive and Memento are celebrated examples of how narrative fragmentation can dovetail well with the philosophical heart and aims of film noir. While this low-budget thriller doesn’t have the finesse of either of those films, it does at least aim high in its sundered viewpoint on the jealousy-filled menage à trois at its centre. Debut director Munjal Yagnik plays it entirely non-linear to begin with, before settling into a more conventional but still mobile flashback structure.
Mark (Gregory Waits) wakes up in disarray, quickly turning into despair when he walks into the bedroom to find (what we assume is) his partner dead on the bed. But the next scene reveals he has been playing away: his wife, Sidney (Nadine van Asbeck) returns home to find him frantically cleaning.
Mulholland Drive and Memento are celebrated examples of how narrative fragmentation can dovetail well with the philosophical heart and aims of film noir. While this low-budget thriller doesn’t have the finesse of either of those films, it does at least aim high in its sundered viewpoint on the jealousy-filled menage à trois at its centre. Debut director Munjal Yagnik plays it entirely non-linear to begin with, before settling into a more conventional but still mobile flashback structure.
Mark (Gregory Waits) wakes up in disarray, quickly turning into despair when he walks into the bedroom to find (what we assume is) his partner dead on the bed. But the next scene reveals he has been playing away: his wife, Sidney (Nadine van Asbeck) returns home to find him frantically cleaning.
- 2/3/2025
- by Phil Hoad
- The Guardian - Film News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.