Cobain

Cobain is a captivating and deeply poignant drama film hailing from the Netherlands and was released in 2018. The film is written and directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nanouk Leopold, whose previous works have often involved exploring complex psychological trajectories of individuals trapped in their unique circumstances. Cobain powerfully continues this tradition, spinning an evocative tale of abandonment, survival, and the search for identity – all enveloped in the raw, gritty, and often harsh realities of contemporary life.

At the heart of the film is Bas Keizer, who delivers a mesmerising breakout performance as Cobain, the teenage protagonist. Keizer brings to life a character who has been forced to grow up too fast, caught in the crossroads of adolescence and premature adulthood. His narrative forms the backbone of the film, with every glance and movement revealing insights into Cobain's tumultuous inner world.

Opposite Keizer, Naomi Velissariou plays Mia, Cobain's troubled mother. Velissariou's portrayal of Mia is both magnetic and unsettling as she expertly navigates the paradox of being both a mother and a child in her rights. Mia's hapless dependence on substances, and the risky lifestyle she engages in, pose as constant threatening shadows in Cobain's life, further fuelling the tensions in their toxic relationship.

The narrative of Cobain does not shy away from showcasing the cold face of society's fringes. The character’s interactions with the different members of this world — including the amiable yet unconventional Wickmayer, masterfully performed by Wim Opbrouck — shape him, adding an extra layer to his character while simultaneously reflecting the ugly side of society that adapts to survival.

Leopold's vision finds its best ally in the film's cinematographer, Frank van den Eeden. The film's visual landscape has a grimy quality that manages to be relentlessly real and surprisingly beautiful at the same time. It accentuates not only the physical environments of Cobain's world but also embodies the grim realities of his emotional state. The film is punctuated by sequences of authentic social-realism paired with poetic quiescence that delivers a chiaroscuro of epic proportions, fit for such a complex narrative.

Art director Elsje de Bruijn uses amazing attention to detail to create sets that communicate narratives of their own and fit seamlessly into the larger story. Whether it's the claustrophobic confines of the trailer park, the seedy underbelly of city outskirts, or the deceptive calm of a riverbank, each location effectively contributes to driving the narrative further, bringing the audience deeper into Cobain's world.

The score, composed by Harry de Wit, underscores the film’s narrative, striking a balance between moments of intense drama and silent contemplation. From raw punk-rock tracks to hauntingly melancholic melodies, the sound design and music serve as inner voices that guide the protagonist and the audience through the film's extraordinary journey.

Cobain is a dissertation on life in its truest form – unromanticized, gritty, and real. It holds up a mirror to society, showcasing a narrative that might be conveniently overlooked for being too disturbing. The film's emotional undercurrent explores the stark realities of despair and the primal instinct of love, no matter how flawed. It's an ode to humanity, in its rawest form, dwelling in forgotten corners of society.

The central theme of the movie focuses on Cobain's complicated relationship with his mother, Mia and his desperate attempts to save her from the snares of the world they inhabit. This theme serves as a catalyst for exploring wider social issues such as teenage homelessness, the aftermath of parental neglect, the cycles of addiction, and the desperate struggle for identity and belonging. The film also delves into the complicated dynamics of nurturing, both received and extended, and the concept of 'home' in its most unusual forms.

All in all, Cobain is a cinematic tour de force that takes the viewer on an unforgettable journey. It is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit, to survive and to find one's identity. It's a brutally honest portrayal of a world that exists beyond the peripheral vision of society, told through the eyes of a boy named Cobain, who reflects the true spirit of survival much like the Nirvana front-man he's named after. From start to finish, Cobain is devastating, hopeful, complex, and beautiful - a commendable work of contemporary cinema.