NewsBytes Recommends: Seema Biswas's 'That Gusty Morning'—Sensitive and well-performed
What's the story
The short film That Gusty Morning, led by Seema Biswas, is streaming on YouTube. Directed by Jahnu Barua, it takes place entirely in a single location. Well-paced, soothing, and extremely sensitive, it brims with surprises, and the cast ensemble is its biggest strength. You may predict the story easily, yet, you keep watching—such is the charm of this short film.
Plot
Captures a family's seemingly ordinary day
The short film focuses on Juree (Urmila Mahanta), who lives with her mother Aparna (Biswas) and her father. Aparna, an ex-professor, is in the throes of Alzheimer's. Juree's boyfriend Pranab is about to meet her parents, but Juree has hidden her mother's truth from him. When Pranab finally realizes the truth, what would be his reaction?
#1
You understand the characters well despite the short runtime
Nearly every frame is memorable, especially the first, where we meet Arun Nath, who plays Juree's father. You can sense that he's struggling to keep his family together, and while his daughter can express her struggle through her tears, he tends to hide his emotions. He tries to put on an incredibly strong front, both for his family and for himself.
#2
The secondary characters, too, are well-written
Pranab (Kapil Bora) enters the story much later, but the first time you meet him, he exudes such warmth that you know immediately that you will like him. His relationship with Juree feels organic and Bora wins you over with his authentic and restrained act. We may not see it on-screen, but we know Juree will have a happy future with him.
#3
It celebrates and understands caregivers
The short focuses on what it means to be a caregiver, and how much courage and strength is required to be one. Guilt throbs through Juree when she realizes she is considering her mother a burden, even though she loves her. She hasn't told Pranab about Aparna because she's still wrestling with the realization that this is a natural, albeit heartbreaking situation.
Verdict
The short film is well worth your time
There is hardly a dull moment in this engaging short film that is supremely confident about itself. Another strong theme the film flirts with is how roles are reversed drastically. Aparna cared for Juree in her childhood and now Juree is the primary caretaker, caring for her mother as if she were a child. Watch it for its cinematography, sensitive subject, and Biswas's acting.