Withdrawn

Withdrawn is a captivating independent film that delves deep into the somber and monotonous world of a character' life named Aaron (played by Adrian Murray), a man who is encumbered by an overwhelming lack of motivation and ambition.

Adrian Murray's incredible performance as Aaron consistently reminds us about the melancholic vein that runs through the entire movie. With a daily routine that consists of doing practically nothing, Aaron purposefully avoids any form of change or progress in his life. He lives in a suited but modest apartment where he spends most of his time alone and aimlessly sketching a peculiar drawing of stairs alongside his roommate's girlfriend Lara (played by Kelly Paoli), and often depends on his friend Cam (portrayed by Aaron Keogh) to fill in the void of his loneliness.

Aaron's life's emptiness is so prominently mundane that it becomes an odd fascination, and we continually probe the screen for subtle signs of developing action or emotion. The brilliance of this film lies in creating suspense and anticipation in the seemingly most regular setting. Aaron has no job; he has no ambitions and seems to have no intentions of getting either anytime soon.

It's in these infinitely quiet moments where the film asks us to speculate about Aaron's life, his intentions, and his reality, amid a rather monotonous existence. Through each scene, we find ourselves more deeply intrigued and drawn into the life of a man whose core purpose seems to be to avoid a purpose.

Aaron thinks of pulling off a credit card scam as a possible way out of his dreary existence. The idea potentially offers a much-needed shot of adrenaline to his otherwise dull routine - however, will he muster enough motivation to go ahead with it? Does he manage to break his self-imposed shackles? These questions keep us glued to see what unfolds in Aaron's life of despair and monotony. Every time Aaron moves closer to attempting the scam, it seems like a mountain climbed for a man who has comfortably settled into a tedious routine.

The film beautifully captures repeated daily rituals in long uninterrupted shots, coming across as lengthy slices from the life of a man trapped in his personal habitual cage. Each shot carries a silent resonance, poignantly echoing the loneliness that is painfully apparent but left unsaid.

Even though the plot might sound like it moves at a snail's pace, director Adrian Murray does a fabulous job of gradually building up the tempo of the storyline, treating the audience with an oddly enamoring viewing experience. Kelly Paoli as Lara adds a new dimension to the narrative with her unsettling presence in Aaron's life. Simultaneously, performances by Aaron Keogh, who played Cam, and Dean Tardioli, who portrayed Dean, contribute perfectly to the narrative, enriching the story further.

The black and white ascetic storytelling style of "Withdrawn" combined with the lead character's intense portrayal connects with many who often grapple with monotonous routines that drain life's dynamism. The film maintains a steady rhythm where long silences speak volumes, and the eerie quietness palpably builds suspense to keep the viewer engaged.

Even though the theme might sound heavy, the movie is intermittently flecked with unexpected humorous undertones. Snippets of everyday absurdities stir brief chuckles among audiences, ensuring the narrative doesn't sink into a bottomless pit of bleakness.

"Withdrawn" is a cinematic experience that poses the profound question about life's purpose and meaning, using a character study of extreme ennui. It boldly portrays a character paralyzed by inertia and the seeming meaninglessness of existence. The film isn't a romanticized portrayal of complacency, rather a stark and raw depiction of what a routine-driven existence can come to feel like – effectively blurring the line between the mundane and the unusual.

From the perspective of some viewers, the film could be seen as deceptively simple, and perhaps even enervating due to its dramatization of profound languish. Yet, the authentic portrayal of life's monotony and the underlying suspenseful narrative help make "Withdrawn" a unique and thoughtful cinematic experience. It's a film that encourages viewers to explore deeper underlying meanings, prompting them to reflect on their own lives, and the societal expectations deeply entrenched within us all.