In writer-director Bishrel Mashbat’s Beloved, a young couple struggles to come to terms with the reality of marriage once the romance dissipates.
We could perhaps blame it on the movies. On Hollywood rom-coms and Disney films. From the earliest age, we are conditioned to believe that the traditional love story is one that ends with those three magic words. “Happily Ever After”.
The reality is something else entirely. Sadly life is not like the movies and, in the UK at least, the divorce rate is around 40%.
Mashbat takes a huge risk by starting his film with what appears to be the end of a relationship. The audience have not had a chance to see these two people at their best, only their worst. Coasting through life with minimal affection towards each other. Replaced with boredom and barely concealed resentment. Then comes the reveal of their infidelity.
Anar’s bullish male pride causes him to storm out when he discovers Kassy has cheated on him… only to return later to confess that he has got someone pregnant. Realising they are at an impass, they decide to take a six month break.
If this were to follow your traditional Hollywood movie formula, the couple would go their separate ways, experience new relationships before growing as people, learn from their mistakes and rekindle the flames of their love.
However Mashbat knows that this is not that type of movie. It would be an unearned, false narrative to have these two end up together when they are clearly wrong for each other. Instead, Beloved follows in the footsteps of films such as Kramer vs Kramer and Marriage Story that give an honest voice to the struggles of real-life relationships.
There is detachment to proceedings in terms of the cinematography. The camera is often placed either outside of a room looking in, or in a static position watching the couple. The camera nor the movie seeks to pass judgement on either individual. It is impartial, allowing audiences to choose if they want to take a side.
There are some nice editing choices. Such as a montage that shows the timeline of Kassy’s new romance. The camera moves left to right past the dining room to show the passion of the honeymoon period slowly fade to arguments then ultimately to her drinking alone. It is reminiscent of the dinner table montage from Citizen Kane.
Similar to a marriage that requires work, this is a film that requires care and attention. With its minimalist approach, and several scenes of little-to-no dialogue, it is up to audiences to observe and analyse the slightest change in body language or expression to tell the story of the two lovers.
If one puts in the effort, this honest, raw, real portrayal of modern day relationshipshas much to offer. Beloved will certainly invite those already married to hold a mirror up to their own.
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Director: Bishrel Mashbat
Stars: Iveel Mashbat, Jana Miley
Runtime: 92 minutes
Country: USA
