INTRODUCTION
Connect is a supernatural thriller film directed by Ashwin Saravanan and released in Tamil and Hindi. It features Nayanthara in the lead role, and explores themes of loss, grief, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on a mother and daughter.
PLOT SUMMARY
The film follows the story of Susan and her daughter Anna, who are quarantining in their home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Susan seems unaffected by the crisis, but Anna becomes severely distressed and withdraws into herself, rendering her vulnerable to a demonic possession. As the possession takes hold, it causes ripples throughout the house and the lives of Susan’s father Arthur and a pastor-exorcist, who try to help Anna. The film uses the demonic possession as a metaphor for the impact of disease, and explores the bond between Susan and Anna as they try to overcome the crisis.
SCRIPT ANALYSIS
The script for Connect, written by Saravanan and Kaavya Ramkumar, alternates between sombre and nightmarish tones and uses the demonic possession as a metaphor for the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. It also focuses on the mother-daughter relationship and the themes of loss and grief. While the film relies on many of the tropes and devices commonly found in horror films, it also manages to break away from some of the typical practices of the genre at key points.
ACTING PERFORMANCES
Nayanthara gives a standout performance as Susan, using her eyes and facial expressions to convey fear and foreboding. Sathyaraj and Anupam Kher also deliver strong performances as Arthur and the pastor-exorcist, respectively.
NEGATIVE ASPECTS
Some viewers may find the film’s reliance on horror tropes and devices to be predictable or hackneyed. The ending of the film may also be frustrating for some viewers due to its reliance on ritualistic babble.
POSITIVE ASPECTS
Nayanthara’s performance is a highlight of the film, and the script effectively explores themes of loss, grief, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The film also manages to break away from some of the typical practices of the horror genre at key points.
TECHNICAL ASPECTS
The film uses a range of techniques and devices commonly found in horror films, including loud thuds, mysterious rumbles, fluttering curtains, flickering lights, and eerie shadows. The cinematography is competent and does a good job of setting the mood and creating a sense of unease.
CONCLUSION
Overall, Connect is a well-acted supernatural thriller that effectively uses the demonic possession as a metaphor for the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and explores themes of loss, grief, and the mother-daughter relationship. While it relies on many of the tropes and devices commonly found in horror films, it also manages to break away from some of the typical practices of the genre at key points.