Nine

Set in the backdrop of a cosmological event, the Malayalam movie "Nine" (2019) is a gripping sci-fi horror thriller that anally explores the deep facets of familial bonds and love. "Nine" represents a unique approach to Malayalam cinema and is successfully directed by Jenuse Mohamed, starring an ensemble cast including Prithviraj Sukumaran, Wamiqa Gabbi, and Alok.

Centered around the dexterous Prithviraj Sukumaran who plays the character of Albert Lewis, a brilliant astrophysicist, the film navigates through his life, personal relationships, and professional commitments. Albert is a single-father to his son Adam, who has a morbid fear of dark and undergoes inexplicably frightful experiences during the night. The father-son duo shares a loving albeit strained relationship owing to Albert's heavy professional commitments and the boy's peculiar condition.

The plot twist arises when the world is about to witness a rare cosmological event, a comet named 'Lucifer' passing earth that results in every night for the next nine days to be enveloped by absolute darkness. At this juncture, the world faces strange supernatural phenomenons, and the trio, Albert, Adam, and Ava (played by Wamiqa Gabbi), who is a journalist friend of Albert and a pseudo-mother figure to Adam, must navigate through this unnatural phase of darkness. Adam's previous night-time experiences escalate, and Albert must put his scientific prowess and parental instincts together to decipher the disturbing occurrences.

As the narrative unfolds, the audience is introduced to the intricacies of Albert's life; his professional endeavors, failed marriage, and rigorous attempts to understand and cure his son's unusual night terrors. The lead, Prithviraj Sukumaran, embodies the role of a concerned father and astrophysicist, wrestling with his personal and professional lives seamlessly. He delivers an influential performance, evoking the right emotions and connecting with the audience effectively.

Wamiqa Gabbi shines in her role as Ava, a resilient and determined journalist who is always on the lookout for an extraordinary story and a devoted friend to Albert and a nurturing figure to Adam. Her performances and the character's depth add to the overall captivating narrative of the film.

Complementing the intense acting performances is the strong visual storytelling element. The visual effects, camera angles, and the set design are remarkable, significantly adding to the storyline's surreal and eerie feel. The sound effects are minimalist, yet they create an atmospheric presence throughout the film. The combination of lighting and mise-en-scène creates a thrilling, mysterious, and at times chilling aura, heightening the suspense.

Particular to note is the movie's sound design and background score, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the eerie mood and suspense. The intriguing screenplay complements the ominous music and the unfolding events, creating a subtle crescendo leading up to the climactic reveal. Although the film is rooted in the science fiction genre, the director ensures an emotional depth well-grounded in the form of the father-son relationship, adding multiple layers and a heartwarming element to the narrative.

"Nine" offers an interesting marriage of science fiction, horror, and family drama themes. It successfully attempts to bring together elements of theology, astronomy, science, mythology, father-son relationship, love, and loss. It's not just a sci-fi horror thriller; it's a heartfelt drama that focuses on the universal themes of familial love, commitment, and the dire lengths at which one would go to protect one's family.

As the name suggests, the number 'nine' plays a pivotal role in the movie. It is a symbolic representation of numerous elements in the film and plays into the suspense factor of the storyline. The film decompartmentalizes the typical Malayalam cinema formula and shows what artistic liberty, backed by strong performances, creative direction, and effective storytelling, can achieve.

"Nine" provides a balance of elements that caters to the tastes of various audiences, making it an engaging and worthwhile watch despite its complex narrative and subject matter. This film stands as an enigmatic addition to the Malayalam cinema and overall, to the Indian film industry.