Zelos

Zelos is a 2017 Australian drama produced by Claudia Pickering and directed by Jo-Anne Brechin. This engaging film stars Ben Mortley, Shannon Ashlyn, and Ainslie McGlynn. Rooted in the theme of modern relationships, the film existentially questions love, fidelity, and friendship under the looming presence of the digital age, like an inescapable mirror that holds up our inner struggles to light.

Ben Mortley stars as Bernard, a man in his mid-thirties, who could outwardly be perceived as having an ideal life. An accomplished scientist and professor who is on the top of his work, and also shares his domestic life with his beautiful girlfriend, Sarah, played by Shannon Ashlyn. They share a relatively comfortable Sydney home, and it appears that everything in their lives is secure and on track.

However, beneath this surface, Bernard is wrestling some inner demons. Tormented by the raw realities and mundanity of life, he succumbs to the temptation of an affair. Falling prey to his insecurities, he rationalizes his infidelity and believes that bringing another woman into this equation would level the playing field with his girlfriend who, in his mind, is much more attractive and 'out of his league.'

The woman he chooses for his affair is none other than his capable, confident, and strikingly beautiful coworker Melinda, played by Ainslie McGlynn, who owns her sexuality and uses it to her advantage. Bernard believes that by dating Melinda, he can curb his ongoing anxiety that her girlfriend would eventually leave him for a better man. Thus begins a tangled web of deception and emotion as Bernard grapples with the reality of his decisions.

Zelos elaborately uses its characters to delve into and interrogate the human psyche and its drives, its irrational fears, and its weaknesses. It explores the concept of jealousy (zelos in Greek), giving it a central role in the narrative. Along with the question of monogamy, it also brings conversations about modern sexuality, self-esteem, commitment, infidelity, and paranoia into its ambit. Every aspect, every character, and their reactions are situated in the complex world of jealousy, which reflects their fears and obsessions.

Ben Mortley's restrained, almost brooding performance lays bare the inner turmoil of Bernard, a character defined by his own insecurities, anxieties, and guilt. Shannon Ashlyn, as the unsuspecting girlfriend, marries naivete with strength in an understated performance. Being 'the other woman,' Ainslie McGlynn brings a sense of intrigue and dynamism to the character of Melinda, making her far more than a simple temptress stereotype.

The cinematography of Zelos is undoubtedly praiseworthy. The film captures the essence of suburban Sydney, providing a vibrant urban landscape as a backdrop. The cinematography adapts seamlessly with the narrative, the sunny and bright canvas gradually shifting to reflect the escalating tensions and darkness in the characters' lives. Moreover, the adept use of close-ups and long shots adds more depth to the storyline and allows the audience to relate with the characters.

The script, written by Claire J Harris, is layered and thought-provoking. The conversations are nuanced and reveal more than they say, weaving an intricate tale of deceit, jealousy, and mistrust. Bernard's internal dialogues are especially powerful, uniquely reflecting his waves of guilt, fear, and disillusion.

However, Zelos is not just about the drama and heavy emotions. There is a vein of subtle, situational humor that runs through the narrative which provides the much-needed relief from the escalating tension. It is also a critique of the constant need for validation stemming from the physical attractiveness in our digital era, subtly redefining what it means to be desirable.

In essence, Zelos is an intense, poignant exploration of love, trust, and the cost of human insecurities against the backdrop of modern society. It not only acts as a riveting drama but also as a social commentary on the impact of modern norms and expectations on personal relationships. Even though the film might get under your skin at certain moments, it indeed provokes thought about our own lives, decisions, and the intricate dynamics of human relationships.