In Flames is not your typical horror movie, it’s much more than that, read on for our full review on the Pakistani-Canadian psychological horror.
In Flames, director Zarrar Kahn won the Grand Prize at the International Film Festival Mannheim-Heidelberg in Germany in the International Newcomer Category. This is the first time in the 70 year history of the festival that a Pakistani film has taken home the Main Prize, the team of In Flames is thrilled to continue the renaissance of the Pakistani New Wave. What an incredibly proud moment!
In Flames is a cinematic, psychological horror film cleverly disguised as drama. Precisely one year following the triumph of “Joyland,” our independent filmmakers have gifted us another cinematic treasure in the form of In Flames.
In Flames is a 2023 Pakistani Canadian horror film, marking the directorial debut of Zarrar Kahn who is also the writer for the project. The movie features a cast that includes Ramesha Nawal, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Mohammad Ali Hashmi, Adnan Shah Tipu, and Omar Javaid. The film is produced by Anam Abbas.
Unravelling The Storyline
After the death of the family patriarch, a mother and daughter’s precarious existence is ripped apart. They must find strength in each other if they are to survive the malevolent forces that threaten to engulf them, and their telepathic connection might just help. However the mother and daughter duo soon find themselves further constricted by society. The mystery unravels as the story strings us along, one gripping scene at a time.
This is a film that lingers in your thoughts for days, grappling with themes such as marital property (property disputes), women’s empowerment, and the intricate dynamics of a family. The movie also deals with harassment, murder and mystery.
In Flames focuses on the suffocating challenges for women in Pakistani society while also highlighting how certain events in life can impact your mental health, leading to traumas that stick around to haunt you. But at the same time, it also portrays the leads’ breaking generational traumas with a big reveal in the end, one you would expect the least.
Zarrar Kahn’s Direction
Zarrar Kahn has shot his debut film rather intricately being successfully able to immerse audiences in the storyline. The production quality is well at par with big budget films with sets that were true to the conditions narrated. At some points though it’s possible one would feel the movie gives more of a drama feel. The story picked up pace as each event unfolded. However, we did feel there were excessive close-up shots which fulfilled the purpose at some points but seemed unnecessary at others.
During some moments, there was a need for more clarity in order for the narrative to be more engrossing and hit the viewer with full force, we would have liked a bit more background as to the why’s and how’s of the characters because many things were almost left for audiences to judge from or thread together from the conversations we witnessed in the screenplay. Some would want to watch it twice, to fully grasp the essence of the narrative.
Performance Highlights
Ramesha in Mariam’s character is studying to be a doctor, she sometimes feels quite in control of her life and the others she feels lost. Bakhtawar Kazmi as Fariha, Mariam’s mother is shown to be rather cold, stuck in a fight and flight mode unable to really listen to her daughter. Both the mother and daughter are lost in their own worlds, yet in separate parallels. Their stories are replete with tragedy, terror, stuck in their own psychological horrors while dealing with legal and financial turmoil.
The film cleverly depicted the touching bond between the protagonist’s – mother and daughter. They are their own heroes dealing with the horrors of society.
Ramesha Nawal as Mariam and Bakhtawar Kazmi as Fariha’s performances were so real, so natural – especially commendable since it was Ramesha Nawal’s debut project and we have to say, her expressions were beyond surface level making sure to leave an impact.
Adnan Tipu, one of the most critically acclaimed actors of our nation also stars in the indie film. He plays the character of Uncle Nasir as Mariam’s Chachu. He is as good as ever, doing full justice to the conniving nature of the character and we must appreciate his laudable efforts and contribution to indie films in Pakistan.
Omar Javaid as Asad plays his part to the tee as the charming boyfriend, but his performance was just a tad hesitant, we felt as if he was holding back. However his expressions were well in tune with his dialogues and the vibe of his character.
Our Verdict On In Flames
Yes, we would watch In Flames again, perhaps just to comprehend the narrative in all its layers, since many parts were not as coherent in a first time watch.
But that aside, it is worth noting that Kahn had us all on the edge of our seats. Despite the deliberate pacing of the film, there were ample moments of heart-pounding suspense and jump scares that sent shivers down our spine. What truly sets “In Flames” apart is its ability to manifest a realistic, palpable horror that feels chillingly close to reality. This is not your typical horror film; it’s a haunting exploration of the everyday terrors that can consume us, making it all the more terrifying.
So, if you are more of a psychological horror fan, it’s possible you will like it along with the intricate messages entwined in the storyline.
The movie is currently being screened at the Atrium Cinema in Karachi. Be sure to check it out and let us know what you think!
