Özkan Yılmaz made a picture for the first time in his career with “Soluk” (translated s “breath”) which came out in 2019. It is a Turkish drama that tackles issues related to dying, relationship, and existentialism.
Synopsis
The storyline revolves aroundTamer (played by Uğur Polat), a mature man who has lost interest in everything about life and life’s marvels and has simply given up on his vocation, education, and his social circles. Everything changes in his life when a nursing patient Aslı (Aslı İnandık), a timid but exuberant young girl, comes to his house frequently to avoid her own isolation. It changes even more when Celil (Emrullah Çakay) a nurse who has handled dead bodies most of his life, becomes part of the equation. These three people now become complicated as they try to forge their relationships while learning about their wishes and fears.
Cast and Key Performances
- Uğur Polat attends Tamer: As Polat shows a more passive emission of energy into the screen, one gets to see Tamer undergo internal turmoil and thought processes.
- Aslı İnandık plays Aslı: İnandık’s transitions for Aslı have more than a hint of determination as her character comes across to the audience as cheery no matter her feelings of isolation
- Emrullah Çakay as Celil: Çakay possesses the needed realism in his performance of Celil as a man that has almost everything to do with death in his life.
Aesthetic Style
Minimalistic is the term coined by Yilmaz since he uses closed set and close up shots to relate to the psychology of the characters in a close up. The aesthetic features of the film combined with the slow progress of events together with muted color scheme create an atmosphere of reflection inviting the audience at length to the inner lives of characters.
Critical Reception
“Soluk” has been the centre of mixed sentiments. Those who have seen it applauded its complexity in themes and the cast, who put strong live performances. Still, others have remarked – the film’s rhythm, together with focused and unsophisticated style might be not to everyone’s taste.
Availability
“Soluk” can be viewed starting from November 22, 2024 in the MUBI’s website. In the location of Delhi, India, this film will be offered on the platform subject to other geographical restrictions.
Recommendations for Similar Films
If by now, the viewer has got the appeal from ‘Soluk’, then the viewer can try looking at these films which are related to human contact, death and self-reflection.
- “Winter Sleep” (2014) – Turkish drama which examines the pain and beauty of relationships and the perils of being alone.
- “The Wild Pear Tree” (2018) – A beautiful reflection of a young man going back to his village and contemplation of his experience when he was away.
- “Once Upon a Time in Anatolia” (2011).: An investigative drama which takes its time in fleshing out the latent details with live-action theatre working.
These films portray the human being in the most profound aspects that are combated through captivating tales and complex plots.