Cats

Cats is a 2019 British-American musical fantasy film that takes viewers on a refreshing journey into a vibrant and supernal universe. Based on the global smash-hit stage production by Andrew Lloyd Webber and also Eliot’s collection of poems, "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," this is a cinematic rendition that everyone - from the theatre lover to the casual film enthusiast – can enjoy.

Under the direction of Tom Hooper, known for his catapult in movies like ‘The King's Speech’ and ‘Les Misérables,’ this film is a punt into the fantastical. Lee Hall and Tom Hooper's screenplay, together with the magical imaginations of the production designers, transports viewers to a larger-than-life, surreal vision of London, lavishly decked out in sumptuous velvety darkness and bathed in ethereal, moonlit glow.

The movie is anchored by an impressive array of star-studded ensemble cast. James Corden delivers unabashed comedic style, Judi Dench radiates ethereal majesty and gravitas, enormously talented British ballet star Francesca Hayward marks her screen debut emanating innocence and charm, the captivating Jennifer Hudson gives a heartrending performance that is bound to touch one’s heartstrings, and Jason Derulo brings his fiery energy to the big screen. Other big names include Idris Elba, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and Sir Ian McKellen.

The narrative revolves around a tribe of cats, known as the ‘Jellicle Cats,’ who convene for a festive annual event called the Jellicle Ball where one among them is chosen by the wise, old Deuteronomy (played by Judi Dench) to ascend to the Heaviside Layer, akin to a heavenly rebirth. These cats have to perform in order to be chosen for this prestigious destiny. Adding a darker tone to this narrative is the manipulative and ambitious cat, Macavity (Idris Elba), who has his eyes set on the prize.

The cats come in a glorious array of characters, each with their unique tales. What unites the sumptuously diverse range of characters is the extraordinary hybrid of human and feline attributes that the film visualizes using notable CGI technology. Characters are meticulously dressed in a swirl of digital fur and wear human expressions, stances, and movements, accentuating an appealing anthropomorphic spectacle.

One of the film's stand-out elements is the relentless energy of its choreography. The musical numbers are brought to life with an eclectic blend of dance styles, from ballet and tap to contemporary and street dance, all rendered on a grand, dramatically heightened scale. The feats of physical agility the level of human emotion that's been infused into the movement create a vivid balletic drama, which is intriguing to watch.

The musical score is another feat, tugging at the viewer's heartstrings from the opening overtures to the closing credits. The film’s musical highlights include lighthearted, jaunty tunes, soulful ballads, and extravagant ensemble numbers - all interspersed with Andrew Lloyd Webber's familiar melodies and a few new compositions created for the screen adaption.

The film’s costumes and production design deserve a mention for their creative genius. The spectacle of the choreography is complemented by the breathtaking cinema decoration and costuming. The characters are dressed in an amalgamation of human scenery and feline features that equally excite and bewilder. The sets range from uncanny replicas of familiar London monuments to fantasized versions of gritty alleyways and Victorian architecture, all presented in gigantic proportions to emphasize the diminutiveness of the cats' world.

While Cats garnered mixed reviews, it is an undeniable spectacle and a unique cinematic experiment. It is best appreciated as a series of performances rather than a traditional film, a visual spectacle and transformative journey into a whimsical world. The film offers a reel of memorable moments and musical numbers layered with a tangible undercurrent of pathos, passion and a sense of community. The whimsy, the playfulness, the defiant and at times absurd celebration of being alive, makes Cats a film that demands to be experienced with open-minded imagination and wonder.