Veiled Narratives Unveiled

Read Time:3 Minute, 15 Second

SHORT FILM REVIEW
Yellow (رنگ زرد)
–

Genre: Short, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 12m
Director(s): Elham Ehsas
Writer(s): Elham Ehsas
Cast: Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, Elham Ehsas, Ahmad Jan Mano
Language: Dari
Where To Watch: release details TBD

RAVING REVIEW: Step into the vibrant heart of YELLOW, a short film that packs a powerful punch without resorting to the use of typical cinematic extravaganzas. Director Elham Ehsas orchestrates a narrative so poignant and authentic that it whispers the depth of this heartfelt experience, allowing the audience to lean in and truly listen. From the opening scene to the final credits, this 12-minute film captivates not with high-octane action but with the quiet yet fierce battles waged under the chadaris against a backdrop that refuses to be silenced, even in the darkest times.

Set in the streets of Kabul, we find ourselves inside a modest chadari shop, which becomes the arena for a narrative far more significant than its modest confines. Here, we meet Laili, portrayed by Afsaneh Dehrouyeh, on a quest beyond just a purchase. Ehsas not only helms the project but steps in front of the camera as the shopkeeper, creating an on-screen chemistry with Dehrouyeh. Their performances are a testament to understatement, where a mere exchange of glances speaks volumes, echoing louder than any dialogue.

YELLOW breaks the mold of dialogue-driven dramas; it's the unspoken words, the shared smiles, and the fitting of the chadaris that weaves together a story that touches on themes of identity and autonomy with a delicate hand. Ehsas, with his directorial touch, envelops the film in an atmosphere that's tender yet charged, finding a balance between the gravity of Laili's reality and the connections she forms.

The cinematography paints each frame with a palette that’s vibrant yet nuanced, setting Laili's world, rich in hues, against the monochromatic existence she's being coerced into. It’s a visual narration that allows the audience to step into Laili's life, transforming viewers from spectators to companions on her journey.

Ehsas transcends the role of a storyteller, initiating a conversation about the layered complexities of resistance that Afghan women navigate, making YELLOW a narrative that surpasses its geographical confines. It's not just a short film; it's a poignant reflection on a significant chapter in Afghanistan's history, showcasing the relentless resilience inherent in the human condition.

YELLOW radiates brilliance in this domain, relying on the raw power of its storytelling. With its subtle performances, a rich visual narrative, and the gentle handling of complex subject matter, YELLOW affirms that the most potent stories are often those told in hushed tones. There is often more to people’s stories than the words they speak, and it’s so often the words left unsaid that speak the loudest.

For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of AZANA FILMS]

MY SAG-AFTRA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

#SAGAFTRA #SAGAFTRAStrong