In Flames - SIFF [2024]

In Flames [2023]

Film

This film was viewed at the 50th Seattle International Film Festival

Zarrar Kahn's written and directed film, In Flames, refuses to pull any punches. Instead, it opts for a straightforward, blatant, call out of not only Pakistan's insidious patriarchy but all across the world. It asks the question that's sarcastically and seriously thrown around, are there any decent men out there? Where have all the good guys gone?

From the perspective of Mariam (Ramesha Nawal), she's never known the existence of good men. Her father was abusive, and her grandfather--whose disposition is unclear--recently passed, leaving just herself, her mother Fariha (Bakhtawar Mazhar), and her younger brother Bilal (Jibran Khan) to navigate this unforgiving world. Their home is a cramped apartment, not far from the constant flow of Karachi traffic and action, but might resemble that more of a prison than a comfortable place to live. Sinister men plague Mariam's life, even as she tries to steer clear of their ire, instead only going to and from the library to continue her studies to be a doctor. But even on this humble, private journey, she's confronted with unwelcome violence or advances. One day a man throws a brick through her car window, calling her a whore, while another day she's out on her balcony at home and a man on the street begins to masturbate while she watches in horror--powerless and confused.

In Flames [2023]

But Kahn doesn't paint a picture of sheer aggression and sexually abusive behavior, as Mariam meets the timid and gentle Asad (Omar Javaid), another student who genuinely cares for her well-being. Unfortunately, in Kahn's gothic horror, there's something or someone that continues to haunt Mariam and her family with imagery of creeping insanity and paranoia. An omnipresent horror that follows Mariam and her family, an allegory to the always present and always powerful established patriarchy that controls women in Pakistan (and most of the world). Visions of mysterious men, known and unknown, constantly remind her of how her life could easily be erased without so much of a blink, reinforced by the interactions with the legal system even if her grandfather was the governing power of it when alive. These creeping nightmares effectively create a claustrophobic terror throughout In Flames, choking out the light of hope and the literal breath of Mariam whose asthma creates intense moments of dread.

Altogether, Kahn's direction and screenplay are razor-sharp dissections of patriarchal society and the horrifying impositions such archaic ways of life have on young and older women alike. Seeing the ramifications across Mariam's family is bone-chilling, and the supernatural horror added in layer additional complexities to make the message much more clear. Last but not least, I would be remiss to not mention Nawal's revelatory performance. Her portrayal of Mariam is astonishing, heartbreaking, and awe-inspiring all in one. She's the magnetic centerpiece of the film and the enduring strength of her performance carries the film to a remarkable conclusion.

Froth

In Flames was a lot darker than I expected. I mean, maybe that's me being dense and not anticipating what I was about to watch, but that's neither here nor there. I knew the basic synopsis and was attracted to the fact that this was Pakistan's submission for Best International Feature for this year's Oscar's. I was also sad that it didn't get into even a shortlist after watching it but that also is a testament to the quality of International films out there! Nevertheless, I really loved what Kahn made here and it's absolutely a highlight of this year's SIFF. For such a dark film that touches on a pertinent topic in the world today, it's best to have a beer that you slowly sip on, enjoy, and think about what is happening. The newest brewery in my Ballard neighborhood, Distant West Brewing, is a phenomenal operation and their American Stout is the perfect companion for some good old fashioned sit and watch and reflect. It's sweeter than anticipated (not like In Flames) but that's good for the overall experience because this film is not for the faint of heart. Coffee and licorice flavors sit behind the first taste while the roasted aroma will carry you to a relaxed state of introspection and enjoyment of some of the fine cinema the world can offer!