Pulse

Pulse, a moving and thought-provoking Australian drama film from 2017, showcases the combined efforts of director Daniel Monks and Stevie Cruz-Martin, for an unforgettable cinematic journey that uniquely navigates the complex themes of identity, body image, and the human desire for connection.

At the center of this narrative is a young disabled man, Olly (played with prowess by Daniel Monks himself), who after an accident, becomes wheelchair dependent. Daily life for Olly has become a series of struggles against societal norms while trying to assert his worthiness. He grapples with feelings of isolation, despair, and worthlessness. On the journey to self-acceptance, Olly encounters various difficulties and, at times, harsh realities about society's treatment of people with disabilities.

The movie, however, takes an unanticipated direction when Olly is given a one-of-a-kind opportunity to transition into the body of a beautiful woman. This bold and innovative narrative element offers a rare insight into body dysmorphia and societal norms of beauty. The transformation leads him down a tumultuous path of trying to figure out who he really is, what he truly desires, and what it means to be fulfilled in life.

Olly's roller-coaster journey to self-realization is gripping and is certain to keep viewers engaged. As the protagonist, Daniel Monks captures the plight, anxieties, and triumphs of Olly with surprising authenticity, primarily because the storyline is semi-autobiographical, based on his own experiences as a disabled queer man.

Opposite Daniel Monks is the captivating Caroline Brazier, who plays the role of Olly's mother. Conflicted by her efforts to support her son and her inherent conservative perspectives, Brazier meticulously projects the struggle of any parent who has to navigate the tough waters of unconventional decisions made by their children.

The Generation Y actor, Scott Lee, can also be seen in this poignant drama portraying Olly's best friend. He acts as the bridge between the audience and the protagonist. His interpretation of a well-intentioned, multi-dimensional character brings forth the different sides of the dramatic narrative in Pulse, including a peek into how people around Olly cope with his radical change and the resulting social implications.

The film does not exclusively focus on the lives of the characters involved but subtly and continuously raises questions about societal standards and expectations. It explores the intersections of disability, gender, and sexuality, making it a nuanced discussion of identity beyond the binary norms. It challenges the viewer to question their understanding of normalcy, perfection, beauty, and whether love, acceptance, and happiness can exist beyond these popular notions.

Director Stevie Cruz-Martin, with her knack for capturing the subtleties of a character's journey, approaches the subjects of societal norms, beauty, and identity in a novel and heartrending way. Paired with the vivacious hues of the cinematography, Pulse is an aesthetic delight, apart from being a compelling narrative.

The use of Sydney's suburbs and landscapes as the backdrop enhances the movie's relatability. It's popular scenery and familiar environment make the story more believable and hit closer to home for many viewers. The cinematography is also unique, capturing the emotions, struggles, and eventual triumphs of the characters with a narrative visually pleasing imagery.

Artfully garnished with a subtle score that underscores the emotional depth of the scenes, Pulse offers an audial journey that complements the visual storytelling, making it a cinematic experience to remember.

In essence, Pulse is an intimate and authentic exploration of a myriad of human experiences, wrapped in a poignant narrative. The truths portrayed in the film may be uncomfortable at times, but they challenge societal norms and push viewers to reflect, learn, and grow. This innovative drama draws viewers in with its compelling honesty, leading them to consider their perspectives on disability, gender, and identity in new ways. It's a film that speaks of the human spirit's triumph over adversity and the universal quest for acceptance and love.