Polaris

Polaris is a compelling drama-thriller film from 2016, directed by Soudabeh Moradian and featuring a stellar cast, including Alicja Bachleda, Bahram Radan, and Coby Ryan McLaughlin. Radan, a notable Iranian actor, makes his English-language debut in this film and gives a standout performance that anchors this emotive and climatic narrative. At its core, Polaris is a story about love, trauma, cultural disparity, and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary society marked by war and strife.

The storyline revolves around the life of a troubled war photographer, Christoph (Bahram Radan), who struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Having seen and immortalized some of the darkest corners of human behavior and war, he feels an indelible scorn towards an unjust world. He grapples with his grim experiences gleaned from the ghastliest battlefields around the world, trying to navigate through daily life and relationships and deter the demons that pursue him relentlessly. Polaris explores the aftermath of his experiences and its effect on his personal relationships, thereby unearthing the profound effects of PTSD on soldiers and correspondents after the war ends and they return to "normal" life.

Alicja Bachleda effortlessly slips into the role of his loving and patient partner, Marjan, complementing Radan's character beautifully. Marjan, an Iranian immigrant, grapples with Christoph's turbulent mental state and tries to draw him out of his emotional abyss. She embodies the struggles of being a loving partner whilst dealing with the nuances of adapting to a new culture. Her gentle and empathetic portrayal aptly showcases the fluctuations and struggles of love, and the lengths people will go to salvage a relationship from the brink of despair.

Coby Ryan McLaughlin, who plays the sensitive and understanding friend, pieces together a multi-layered and intensely human character that adds depth to his scenes, illustrating his versatile acting skills. This character beautifully balances the narrative and gives the viewers an outsider's perspective into this complex web of relationships.

The perspectives and actions of each character are deeply entrenched in the overarching theme of isolation and loneliness that PTSD and displacement can cause. Viewers are not merely shown scenes but are allowed room to imagine and feel the deeper struggle each character is facing. This is achieved through the immersive cinematography that almost verges on being darkly poetic and gives a raw, uncompromised view of emotional trauma.

Polaris stands out for its stunning visuals and eloquent storytelling. With a keen eye for meticulous detailing and artful presentation, director Soudabeh Moradian brought forth an incredible narrative that encapsulates the emotional and psychological warfare within. The dextrous manoeuvring of suspense and drama spinal to the plot combined with an apt and sublime musical score amalgamate into a mesmerizing cinematic experience that leaves the viewers moved long after the screen goes blank.

The movie goes beyond being a mere war-related drama or love story. It grapples with the complexities of two different cultures coming together and the inherent challenge of reconciling these differences. The struggle of the protagonist unfolds through beautiful aesthetic shots of America as a backdrop, capturing the essence of their relationship in this moving drama.

As the plot unfolds, it exposes an underlying commentary on mental health, PTSD, love, and the impacts of war. It's not about the spectacle of war but rather, its silent aftermath that leaves its marks on those who survive it. The screenplay substantially engages with the viewers and resonates with an audience seeking depth and substance in a film.

While the movie could fall under the genre of a geopolitical thriller, it comfortably straddles multiple themes. These include the confrontation of past demons, the meaning of home and belonging in societal context, and negotiating love amidst personal trauma.

In conclusion, Polaris is a skilfully crafted movie that serves as a profound, impacting, and eye-opening depiction of psychological warfare's aftermath. It's a significant piece of cinema for an audience looking for something more than simple entertainment, looking for a deep, compelling narrative with robust character development and an empathetic insight into the humanity affected by war.