Karma
A film oozing with mystery and suspense, Karma is a masterpiece that baffles the mind. If you are a fan of mystery films you can immediately sense a movie that has a good story and Karma is one of them. I have to admit that the second it started playing I knew that I’d be held captive. It has that energy that will let you know that something good is coming, but you just got to wait when it is going to happen, just like the word Karma itself. Buddha once said “whatsoever fortune or misfortune experienced is all due to some previous action” but how does this intertwine among the living and the dead? Is it a natural cycle or a supernatural phenomenon that coincides with the circumstances of people’s lives? Who and how does it choose to serve its principles? Questions that got me thinking upon meeting the 10-year-old Evan in this film and how Karma played a role in his life.
I don’t usually read the synopsis of the movies I review, so I’ll have my mind envision the director’s perspective and surprise me with the flow of the story. And then after watching the film, I’ll read every detail that the director shared about the film. And this film was very well executed from the story to the purpose that student director Irmak Tasindi (yes, student director) was trying to convey. Honestly, I couldn’t believe that it was a student film, I got to rub my eyes a couple of times to see if they still serve me right, and yes they do. It is a student film alright, a remarkably impressive student film. Irmak Tasindi’s brilliance in making this film was evident in every scene. For me, it felt like she has crafted this film with the experiences and knowledge that she came to gather in her journey in photography and filmmaking, surely someone I have to keep a close lookout for future films.
Spilling plot points for a film with this caliber is a crime. However, I guarantee you that you’ll get more than your money’s worth. The cinematography was divine, and every scene was flawless. Not to mention the actors were outstanding, particularly Kadin Houck-Loomis, who portrayed the 10-year old Evan. A role that I find challenging because of the perplexity of the situation and thoughts that his character has to go through and the emotional gravity that part of his character carries. It was like seeing a very young actor act trice his age and delivered it superbly, unquestionably talented and promising.
Beyond all the good qualities of this movie, what I love about it was the risk that Director Irmak Tasindi took with the way she told this story. Incorporating it with a religious concept especially two different religion is a chance that can be a miss or hit, and how she delivered it was without a doubt a hit. You’ll have to see for yourself and be the judge. I bet you’ll be even more amazed than I am.
A job well done for Irmak Tasindi, you’ve created an award-worthy film on the verge of worldwide recognition.
