The Bestowal

The Bestowal, a thought-provoking science fiction drama from 2018, is a poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the meaning of life. Directed by Andrew de Burgh, The Bestowal stars Sam Brittan and Sharmita Bhattacharya, whose performances imbue the story with authenticity and depth, making for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat motion picture experience.

The plot of The Bestowal is set against the backdrop of a cold, dystopian world not too far off from our own. Riddled with malaise, the once lively Earth is now on the brink of self-destruction due to humanity's greed and indifference. Amidst this, Brittan plays Steven, a successful Wall Street broker, whose seemingly perfect world begins to crumble when he starts questioning the meaning of his existence, realising that the life he had built was devoid of value and purpose.

Ensuing events lead him to an unexpected, out-of-the-world encounter with an ethereal presence in the form of a mysterious woman, played by the talented Sharmita Bhattacharya. This woman is revealed to be a celestial being from another dimension. Her presence unnerves Steven as she possesses an immeasurable amount of knowledge, which is both a blessing and a curse.

The film then delves into a series of profound conversations between the two characters. These interactions form the heart of the movie's narrative, offering a powerful discourse on humanity's future, the intricacies of life, and the harsh realities of the world we live in. The celestial being bestows upon Steven the heavy burden of a critical secret, one that could alter the course of human history forever.

Faced with a challenging predicament, Steven's journey becomes an exploration of tough decisions, sacrifices, and ultimately, one's humanity. The celestial being also struggles with her own dilemmas, as she is torn between her duty and the budding bond she forms with Steven, making for a rich subplot. The movie, despite revolving around just two characters, keeps the audience gripped with its raw and emotionally-charged scenes.

This film is less about the typical futuristic view of sci-fi and more about the existential themes and philosophical questions that it brings forward. Director de Burgh uses the sci-fi genre as a vehicle to examine those big life questions about the human condition, our existence, and our place in the universe. Uplifting and soul-stirring, The Bestowal does not only make you think but elicits feelings of compassion and reminds us of the power of empathy.

While undoubtedly science fiction, The Bestowal is a strikingly human story. Its strength lies in its dialogue, characters, and underlying message. The Director uses minimalist settings and a leisurely narrative pace which imbues the film with an intimate, suffused atmosphere. The film's limited cast doesn't detract from its prowess; in fact, it drives the narrative forward, allowing viewers to deeply invest in the emotions, thoughts, and decisions of the two protagonists.

Brittan and Bhattacharya shine as the central duo. Brittan's portrayal of Steven's internal struggle is deftly handled, his nuanced performance injecting heart and soul into his character. Equally impressive is Bhattacharya, her luminous portrayal of the otherworldly entity filling each scene with an intriguing blend of wisdom, melancholy, and ethereal beauty.

The Bestowal offers a viewing experience that's both visually stunning and intellectually engaging. Combining the bleak vistas of the dystopian world with the serene domesticity of Steven's life, the film's cinematography is captivating.

Simultaneously introspective and progressive, The Bestowal is a film that shifts paradigms and challenges its viewers to look beyond the immediate and introspect about what it truly means to be human. As much as it is a critique of our present-day choices, it is also a beacon of hope, suggesting that change is indeed within our grasp.

The Bestowal, with its deeply philosophical narrative and profound themes, is a movie that resonates long after the credits roll. Not your typical science fiction film, it is a moving exploration of humanity's future that will appeal to audiences in search of thought-provoking cinema. So, whether you're a sci-fi buff seeking a change of pace or a film lover interested in philosophical discussion, 'The Bestowal' is a compelling and rewarding motion-picture experience.