Ambition’s High Price

Read Time:3 Minute, 57 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Triptych
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Genre: Short, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 15m
Director(s): Sophia Ray
Writer(s): Atticus Hoffman, Roland Walters
Cast: Emma Suki, Emmanuel Imani, Anjela Nedyalkova, Stoyan Radev
Language: English, Bulgarian, Serbian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: 2024 Bolton International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Stepping into the art world's underbelly, TRIPTYCH crafts a visually arresting tale of ambition and destruction. Margaux (Emma Suki), a fearless art dealer, is in a daring struggle as she schemes to dismantle a historic painting under the guise of performance art. This audacious act isn't just a boundary-pushing spectacle—it's a profoundly personal duel with her inner demons.

As the narrative unwinds, the plot dives into a whirlpool of emotional and psychological struggles, spotlighting Margaux's fight against the complex layers of her ambitions. Director Sophia Ray maps out a storyline that scrutinizes beauty's devastating impact, weaving a thoughtful analysis of how creation and destruction can stem from the same root. The film then pivots to Margaux's quest, which is far more than a simple act of artistic rebellion—an urgent fight for her identity and redemption.

The film positions Margaux as more than just a character in the art world; she's a woman trapped by her history, using her artistic expression to master and redefine the skeletons in her closet. The destruction she plans for the masterpiece isn't merely a plot device—it symbolizes her internal chaos and sparks a chain of events that mirrors her profound personal conflicts. Within this storyline, the artwork takes on a life of its own, serving as a silent yet potent symbol of her inner tumult.

TRIPTYCH sets the stage for Margaux's emotional unraveling against the backdrop of this dark and mysterious artwork. These paintings' surreal and often grotesque elements do more than fill the screen with eerie visuals—they deepen the narrative’s dissection of the psyche, artfully blurring the line between genius and madness.

The film’s portrayal of Margaux is a deep dive into the psyche of a conflicted artist. Each frame delicately captures her journey through a maze of past decisions, each haunted by grave repercussions. Her emotional spectrum—ranging from raw ambition to palpable fear and desperate isolation—is portrayed with a rich complexity that makes her a fascinating subject of study. The supporting characters bolster this depiction, highlighting the increasing isolation that her decisions breed.

TRIPTYCH challenges viewers to reflect on the essence of ambition and the ethical boundaries it can blur. It probes into the actual cost of greatness and the moral compromises often accompanying the pursuit of such heights, framing Margaux’s fate as an intricate tale of her own making and external forces. This exploration invites audiences to grapple with complex themes of responsibility and redemption.

The film's pacing matches the gradual disintegration of Margaux's mental state, with each scene constructed to build suspense and deepen the emotional impact. Eschewing standard horror conventions, the film opts for a brand of psychological horror that remains with viewers, fueled by the protagonist’s internal battles and the chilling influence of art.

TRIPTYCH transcends typical storytelling about the art world to deliver a powerful commentary on the human condition. It intertwines themes of power, control, and the profound sacrifices made in ambition's shadow. While distinctively her own, Margaux's journey resonates with a universal caution about the dangers of allowing one's deepest desires to eclipse one's humanity.

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[photo courtesy of SCRIPT COMPASS, FOUR ELEMENTS, ACADEMY FILMS, PARTIZAN]

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