Helen

Helen, directed by Mathukutty Xavier, is a critically acclaimed Malayalam thriller movie released in 2019. The film showcases the enchanting world of Kerala while weaving an engaging story highlighting the everyday horrors faced by common people. The luminous cast of the movie includes gifted actors such as Anna Ben in the titular role of Helen, alongside the versatile actor Lal Paul, among others. The film is a quintessential nail-biter depicting a survival drama laced with elements of parental love, friendship, and determination.

Helen Paul, played by Anna Ben, is the endearing protagonist of the story. She appears as a young, spirited nursing graduate aspirant waiting for her chance to migrate to Canada for a lucrative job opportunity. While chasing her dreams, she is also seen working part-time at a fast-food joint in the city and is portrayed as a vivacious, responsible, and independent woman. With her pragmatic and positive approach towards life, Helen captures the hearts of the audience right from the get-go.

Lal Paul, one of the doyens of Malayalam cinema, masterfully plays Helen's father named Paul. He beautifully conveys the emotions of a single father, juggling life's hardships while nurturing and supporting his daughter's dreams. With his nuanced acting, Lal Paul gifts us with a father figure synonymous with love, worry, patience, hope, and relentless determination. Both characters are intricately sketched and brilliantly brought to life by the actors, making them relatable and engaging.

The film gradually unveils the gripping sequence of events when the bright and bubbly Helen goes missing after her stint at her workplace one fateful night. Lal, as the concerned father, along with a few others, embarks on a quest to find her, as the suspense creeps into every nook and cranny of the narrative. The story gracefully transitions from the colorful life of Helen to an abyss of uncertainty and foreboding danger, probing the worst nightmare of a helpless, yet hopeful father. The plot thickens as search operations commence, and as minutes progress into hours and hours into days, the search for Helen becomes a ticking clock battle against time and hope.

The mesmerizing beauty of Kerala forms a stunning background for the tale as it oscillates between the urban fast-food culture and the serene enchantment of the neighborhood. Underneath the surface of the compelling plot, the movie subtly discusses the hardships of immigrants and dwells upon their dreams and aspirations, making it socially relevant as well.

Another notable mention goes to the soundtrack which amalgamates perfectly well with the essence of the narrative. The mellifluous and sometimes haunting tunes composed by Shaan Rahman act as a catalyst in the storytelling, enhancing the overall ambiance of the film.

The screenplay shines in its detailing, intensity, and individual character arcs. The intricate camerawork and engaging mise-en-scene successfully create an atmosphere of gripping suspense that keeps one on the edge of their seat throughout the film. The director's deft handling of the narrative is commendable, viewing the complexity of human relationships through the lens of adversity.

In conclusion, "Helen" leaves an impactful and lasting impression. Subtle, yet compelling, this film breaks away from the mold of conventional narration and ventures into a stark, realistic portrayal of perseverance, hope, and human tenacity. Anna Ben's standout performance and her striking on-screen camaraderie with Lal Paul make the film highly engaging. Despite its thriller genre, the movie evokes a warm and emotional connection with the viewers marking a must-watch for the audience.

Whether it's the love of a father, the ambitions of a young woman, or the challenges of survival and rescue, "Helen" wraps it all in a gripping narrative that continually strikes a chord with the viewer - a testament to the universal appeal of love and survival rooted deep within every human. Expect a roller-coaster of emotions, bundled into an impactful cinematic experience.