Journey of Self-Rediscovery Illuminated

Read Time:3 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Goldfish
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): Pushan Kripalani
Writer(s): Pushan Kripalani, Arghya Lahiri
Cast: Kalki Koechlin, Deepti Naval, Gordon Warnecke, Rajit Kapoor, Shanaya Rafaat
Language: English, Hindi with English subtitles
Where To Watch: US & Canada theatrical premiere begins September 1, 2023, at the Laemmle Theaters, Encino, CA, and other cities across the U.S, including San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Denver, Houston, Nashville, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Diego, St. Louis

RAVING REVIEW: Nestled in the heart of London, GOLDFISH emerges as a simple cinematic journey and a movement. A movement that captivates the audience with its narrative force, drawing them into the tumultuous world of Anamika, brought to life by the phenomenal Kalki Koechlin. As she confronts the challenging realities of her mother Sadhana's declining mental state, Deepti Naval seamlessly weaves strength and fragility into her portrayal, making every scene a visual delight.

Don't get me wrong; GOLDFISH is not a flick you catch up with on a lazy Sunday. Oh no, it demands your immersion! As we follow Anamika's footsteps retracing her heritage, she evolves from a daughter searching her mother's obscured past to a beacon of strength, shielding Sadhana from time's unforgiving push. The narrative's depth is further enriched by the striking performances of the ensemble cast, which add layers, painting a vivid picture of the community's quiet yet profound influence on this central duo's journey.

From the director's chair, Pushan Kripalani is a visual exploration that illuminates the authentic lives of Indian immigrants in London—artfully blending the global problem of aging with the hurdles those who balance two cultural worlds face. GOLDFISH occasionally trips over its pacing. A more focused look at pacing could have smoothed that out, although truth be told, the film itself overcomes the concerns with these performances.

Even with its quirks, GOLDFISH resonates. Why? Because it dares to navigate the challenging corridors of internal family battles and emotional skirmishes that we often brush under the carpet. It nudges its viewers to reflect on the cyclical dynamics of caregiving, hinting that today's caregivers might need similar support in the future. This emotional depth and awe-inspiring acting make GOLDFISH a cinematic gem.

One realizes that GOLDFISH is more than its visuals. Its narrative heart pulsates with themes of family ties, nostalgic memories, and journeys of self-rediscovery. GOLDFISH is an evocative tale chronicling the relentless march of time, the imprints our past leaves, and the complex dance of relationships. Every frame and every performance ensures that the essence of the story doesn't just pass before your eyes but genuinely touches your soul. GOLDFISH beckons you to a heartfelt cinematic experience long after the credits roll.

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[photo courtesy of OUTSIDER PICTURES]

MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA 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.

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