Backgammon

Backgammon, a 2015 psychological drama, paints a riveting portrait of the strained dynamics between friends, burgeoning romantic relationships, veiled hostility, and the human knack for mind games. At the heart of the story is an ensemble of young, talented artists including Brittany Allen, Noah Silver, and Alex Beh, each offering compelling performances that glue the viewer to the screen.

Directed by Francisco Orvañanos, Backgammon takes place predominantly within the confines of an ancient mansion, setting an eerie backdrop against which the lives of the characters unspool. The isolated, almost dreamlike Maine estate, filled with surreal artworks and a labyrinth of rooms and hallways, becomes a character in its own right as it engenders a sense of disorientation and intrigue.

The narrative kicks off when Miranda (Brittany Allen) and her boyfriend Gerald (Alex Beh) visit their friends, Andrew (Noah Silver) and Elizabeth, at their picturesque mansion. However, Elizabeth never materializes during the course of the film. Instead, it is strongly implied that she has locked herself in her room after a heated argument with Gerald. This odd sequence of events, right at the outset, sets the tone for the escalating tension and mystery that awaits the audience.

The plot thickens as Gerald abruptly leaves the mansion after a late-night debacle, leaving Miranda behind. Alone with Andrew in the mansion, the story transforms into a nefarious game of emotional chess. Allen and Silver deliver strong performances as Miranda and Andrew, captivating the audience with their intricate dynamic characterized by attraction, resentment, and a power struggle.

Allen's portrayal of Miranda demonstrates a complex blend of strength and vulnerability. She is a painter, caught in the web of her troubled relationship with Gerald, a manipulative and volatile character brought to life by Alex Beh. Her interaction with Andrew alters her perceptions, leading her to introspect about her life and decisions.

Andrew, played by Noah Silver, is an aspiring writer who under the veil of politeness harbors a burgeoning obsession with Miranda. Andrew’s emotional turmoil creates an intricate psychological dance that evolves into a power play. The palpable tension between Andrew and Miranda is a key driver of the movie.

Most of the film is shot indoors, amplifying the claustrophobic and unsettling atmosphere that resonates with the characters' emotional states. The occasional outdoor sequences are subtly used to hint at the nuances of freedom and entrapment. It is worth noting that the aesthetic quality of the film is punctuated by captivating cinematography, with each frame carrying its own sense of beauty and macabre.

Backgammon is less about the narrative and more about the atmospherics, psychological exploration, and character dynamics. It artfully tackles themes of manipulation, obsession, and emotional games people play under the label of friendship and love. The game of backgammon itself is adopted as a metaphor, an ongoing theme throughout the movie representing a psychological battlefield with strategies, gambits, risks, and rewards.

Francisco Orvañanos directs the film skillfully, carefully preserving the tension that permeates through it. His storytelling is unconventional, engulfed in an aura of suspense and discomfort, yet underpinned by moments of intimacy and human connection.

Though the movie might not resonate with everyone due to its intense psychologically driven plot and less emphasis on conventional storytelling, Backgammon is a multi-layered exploration of personalities and relationships. It stands as an enigmatic piece of cinema that recalls elements of European arthouse films with its slow-burning narrative, none-too-easy answers, and a fair share of dark undertones.

Backgammon provides an immersive movie experience for those who crave slow-paced, intense psychological dramas melting into an unforgettable climax. To sum it up, Backgammon is a riveting cinematic experience that peels back the layers of human intentions and deception. It leaves the viewer contemplating long after the credits have rolled - a testament to its compelling story and characters.