The Intended

The Intended is a dramatically intense and beguiling movie that combines elements of period drama with psychological thriller. Released in 2002, the film is a co-production between the United Kingdom and Denmark, co-written by Kristin Lauritzen and Janet McTeer and directed by Kristian Levring. Filled with suspense and passion, the film beautifully unravels a layered narrative of desire, deceit, morality, and survival against an unforgiving landscape.

Set in the 1920s, The Intended's story unfolds in the heart of a dense and hostile Malaysian jungle. The astonishingly rich cinematography sets the tone as we follow the fates of two protagonists, the experienced surveyor Hamish Winslow played by JJ Feild, and the resolute Sarah Morris played by Academy Award nominee Janet McTeer.

Hamish and Sarah, recently engaged, leave the comfort of England to embark on a challenging expedition to exploit the potential of an ivory trading post deep in the jungle. Their journey together is an emblematic one, painting a vivid portrayal of the era's colonial exploitation and revealing the psychological impact of isolation. The steadily growing tension between civilization and wilderness hangs heavy throughout the narrative in this unforgiving environment where survival is perpetual.

Sarah's determination and Hamish's ambition harmonize in the face of adversity, and they soon end up at the trading post owned by the bibulous adventurer, Lester, and his domineering mother, Mrs. Jones. Academy Award winner Brenda Fricker's perfectly executed portrayal of Mrs.Jones, veers on the edge of sinister, resulting in an unforgettable character amongst the ensemble cast.

Upon their arrival, they discover this outpost isn't just a center for ivory trading. It's an assortment of outcasts, rogues, and lost souls who couldn't or wouldn't live in the conventional world. This small, tightly-knit community not only battles the constant threat of the unforgiving jungle but also the inescapable webs of mistrust, manipulation, and their past demons. The stark contrast between the purity of nature and the human flaws exhibited in this enclave makes for uncomfortable viewing.

As the jungle relentlessly encroaches the trading post, so does the tension in the narrative. The Intended draws a parallel between the wild, relentless environment and the inner psychological turmoil that each character faces. The intrusive jungle serves as a metaphor for the characters' psyches, continually gnawed by external factors and internal guilt.

Janet McTeer's portrayal of Sarah is exceptional. She is a strong, independent woman far ahead of her time, whose bravery and optimism influence her decisions. However, as their idyllic dreams of prosperity rapidly wane, their relationship dynamic experiences extreme strain under the weight of external conflict and moral dilemmas that seem to define the outpost's unique code of conduct.

The plot takes a dramatic and shocking turn when McTeer's character finds herself embroiled in the trading post's sordid underworld, reflecting upon her choices and the cost of survival amidst the wilderness. The Intended is a dark and deep exploration of the human condition seen through the distorted lens of a small yet intense microcosm immersed in the profound struggle for survival.

The Intended is both bleak and compelling, an ambitious exploration of the human soul's grim desires, choices, and vulnerabilities set against a backdrop of colonial greed and exploitation. The dense and inhospitable jungle becomes an overwhelmingly powerful force throughout the film, as it magnifies the character’s fallacies and aspirations, pushing them to their psychological limits, and keeps audiences gripped until its haunting conclusion.

The combined efforts of the cast and the film crew replicate a stunningly realistic portrait of hardships endured during Britain's colonial past. Supported by the uncompromising performances from the ensemble cast, the film is stunning in both its narrative and visual presentation. The Intended stands out for its deep, character-focused plots wrapped in suspense that leaves audiences pondering long after the credits roll.

An intriguing mix of a period thriller and a psychological drama, The Intended, is a solid choice for any moviegoer seeking a thought-provoking film experience. It is a testament to the age-old adage that the wilderness does not just refer to uninhabited, harsh landscapes beyond the borders of civilization. Sometimes, it lies within us.