Orphans and Angels

Orphans and Angels, directed by Harold Brodie, is a New Zealand-based dark romantic indie drama that was released in 2003. The movie puts the spotlight on its lead actors Emmeline Hawthorne, Christopher Brown, and Cal Wilson, who deliver compelling performances in this multi-layered narrative.

Orphans and Angels tells the story of a simple, sweet, yet struggling young woman, Jane, played by Hawthorne, who doesn't lead a bourgeois life but carries an intoxicating beauty and calmness that only the truly content could wear. The movie brilliantly introduces the character Jane; her charm and simplicity immediately rule over your heart. Jane's life takes a mysterious turn when she stumbles upon a phone that seemingly has peculiar properties.

Jane discovers that this mysterious phone, whenever she answers a call on it, connects her to the future. It carries a flirtatious conversation with a charismatic man named Andrew, who is played by Christopher Brown. The movie is deliberately elusive about whether Jane, a single mother who struggles with her life, is mentally ill, gifted, or stepping into a miraculously surreal phenomenon. Jane's discovery of the phone becomes the catalytic event that sends her life into an exciting but challenging journey.

Andrew, on the other end, leads an affluent life as a successful businessman, though loneliness and melancholy are his constant companions. He enjoys these telephonic conversations from the past with a woman who is very much a part of his present, though he struggles to understand this strange junction of time he has fallen into.

Cal Wilson is outstanding as Maria. Maria is Jane's close friend and de facto sister, a woman from Jane's past who knows her story and struggle. Maria's character is intricately woven into Jane and Andrew's life, convincing us of her importance in Jane's journey and setting the stage for a web of interconnected fates that forms the movie's crux.

Orphans and Angels is a love story with a supernatural twist. The phone becomes the thread that ties the characters together, connecting dots and unfolding a love story happening in two different timelines. The narrative beautifully captures their emotions, confusions, and the inevitable longing to meet each other.

Throughout the film, audiences are left questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion. This layered narrative broken by time fosters a sense of intrigue, holding you prisoner to the story till the very end. This movie is a testament to the universality of human emotions; the yearning for love and companionship, human sufferings, and the hope that sustains life.

Brodie masters the handling of the delicate subject of time travel and delivers it through the lens of a touching love story. Instead of overdosing on the technicality of time traveling, he intelligently uses it as a tool to explore human relationships and emotions. Expect to see love through a completely different dimension as a result.

The cinematography of the movie deserves applause. Capturing the pristine beauty of New Zealand, it adds layers to the narrative and complements the plotline. Meanwhile, the screenplay by Gregory King provides a dramatic arc to the plot and a realistic depth to its characters.

Despite its indie nature, Orphans and Angels punches well above its weight, portraying love through the beauty of flaws and vulnerability. Expect a multitude of emotions as this movie takes you on a journey through time, love, loneliness, and the inherent human instinct for hope.

In conclusion, Orphans and Angels is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates thoughtfully crafted narratives that give an unconventional twist to ordinary stories. The enigmatic performances by Emmeline Hawthorne, Christopher Brown, and Cal Wilson create a captivating mix of characters that navigate the complexities of life, love, and a phone line across time. It's an emotional roller coaster ride that's well worth the journey, whether you're a sucker for romance, a fan of mysteries, or just someone who loves good storytelling.