Pendular

Pendular is a powerful and evocative film that delves into the realms of art, love, and interpersonal relationships through its engaging narrative. This movie, which was released in Brazil in 2017, was directed by the talented Julia Murat, who takes the audience on a fascinating journey through the lives of its two main characters.

The narrative backdrop for Pendular centers on a strikingly unique and modern industrial space where two lovers live and work. Raquel Karro portrays a contemporary dancer, who brings an exquisite blend of physical versatility, emotional vulnerability, and layered interpretation of her character. Rodrigo Bolzan plays the role of her partner, a visual artist, with a deeply introspective approach that offers a stark contrast to the fluid physicality of Karro's character. Neto Machado also lends his talent to this film in a supporting role.

This creative work takes on a compelling form due to the pervasive role occupied by art. In the shared industrial space the duo tactfully demarcates the boundaries between their individual creative territories with a distinctive pendulum drawn chalk line. Indeed, the symbolic use of a pendulum demonstrates how this drama oscillates between the personal and professional boundaries of the two main characters.

The couple's relationship is both deeply intimate and complex, as they grapple with the inevitable challenges posed by their intersecting personal and professional lives. Their bond breathes life into the artistic fabric of the movie, offering a profound exploration of how love and art can coexist, influence, and challenge one another.

The layers of their bond are unravelled predominantly through dance, making Pendular distinctly physical in its storytelling. The choreography is deftly executed, depicting the raw emotions and tension within the relationship. The portrayal of dance and the physically challenging moves tie into the broader themes of the film, as well as advancing the narrative.

Pendular also employs minimalistic dialogue, creating a layered narrative wherein the individual and shared stories of the characters are explored. This can be seen in how the relationship struggles, dreams, and passions of the characters are mostly expressed through their respective art forms. Herein lies one of the greatest strengths of director Murat's vision: Pendular uses nonverbal communication to delve deeper into the human experience.

Intimacy and estrangement coexist in the couple's shared space, and the film does an excellent job of capturing this duality. The characters exist in their own artistic worlds, but they share the same physical space, creating a dynamic mix of connection and disconnection.

The cinematography of Pendular is equally important due to its significance in uncovering the subtle hints of the eponymous pendulum. The camera in many scenes acts as a silent observer, recording the activities and interactions with a kind of detached closeness that enhances the on-screen drama. Additionally, the colour palette, lighting, and set design all contribute to Pendular's abstraction and emotional resonance.

While the movie provides an intimate view of the couple's lives and challenges they face together, it never tip-toes into their pasts. The audience is presented with a present perspective, complimentary with the film’s ethos of expressing without explicitly explaining. This choice leaves viewers with space to witness and interpret what is happening between the couple and within their individual selves.

The sound design of Pendular deserves mention for its role in underscoring the mood of the film. Ambient sounds fill the silences that the limited conversation provides, creating an immersive and evocative auditory landscape that plays a crucial role in the narrative.

Overall, Pendular provides a fresh take on exploring romantic relationships, interspersed with struggles of creativity and individuality through a deeply personal and emotional narrative. It beautifully intertwines art and life, taking the viewers on a journey where the boundaries between both blur. Earthy, poignant, and profoundly beautiful, the movie handles the topic of love, art, and personal space with grace and subtlety, making it a powerful and memorable cinematic experience.