The Goat Life Movie Review
The Goat Life
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“The Goat Life” is a survival drama film directed, written, and co-produced by Blessy. It’s an international collaboration between Indian and American production companies. Adapted from Benyamin’s 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel “Aadujeevitham,” the film stars Prithviraj Sukumaran, Amala Paul, K.R Gokul, and others. AR Rahman provides the music, Sunil K.S handles cinematography, and A. Sreekar Prasad edits the film. Blessy faced development challenges since 2008, but with Prithviraj and Rahman on board in 2015, the project gained momentum. Despite pandemic-related delays, filming concluded in July 2022 across locations in Jordan, Algeria, and India. Let’s see how the movie turns out.
Story:
Nazeeb, a daily laborer from an Indian village, ventures to the Gulf to work as a helper in a company, aiming to repay his debts. Arriving at the airport with his friend Hakeem, they find no company officials waiting for them. Facing language barriers, they’re coerced into surrendering their passports to a random Arab, who forces them into slave labor in the desert. Enduring years of brutal exploitation, they plot an escape. Their journey after fleeing involves finding the city, surviving, and ultimately deciding whether to return to India. Their resilience through adversity and the perilous escape form the heart of the movie.
Analysis:
The film “The Goat Life” is based on a true story adapted from a novel, depicting the journey of Nazeeb, a Muslim from Kerala, who travels to the Gulf as a helper in a company, hoping to provide a better life for his family. Despite facing financial struggles and borrowing money against his home, Nazeeb remains optimistic about his prospects abroad. However, upon arrival, he and Hakeem are left stranded at the airport when the company official fails to show up. Their initial hope is reignited when they encounter an Arab man who seems to be looking for them, but they soon realize he is not there to help when he forcefully takes their passports and transports them to a remote desert location.
The Goat Life Movie Poster
In the harsh desert environment, Nazeeb and his friend are subjected to years of slavery, enduring physical and emotional hardships. Nazeeb’s body deteriorates over time, with malnutrition and injuries from attempted escapes taking a toll on him. The first half of the film sets up the dramatic situation, highlighting their helplessness and struggles in captivity. The second half focuses on their escape from the desert and the challenges they face during their journey.
As they traverse the unforgiving desert landscape, the film showcases the beauty and brutality of their surroundings. Despite the breathtaking scenery, the protagonists must contend with starvation, dehydration, and inadequate clothing and footwear. Nazeeb’s barefoot trek symbolizes the extent of their desperation and determination to survive.
While the film effectively portrays the characters’ emotions, helplessness, and occasional moments of hope, its lengthy runtime may test viewers’ patience. It is not a conventional edge-of-your-seat survival thriller but rather a poignant drama that delves into the human experience of resilience and endurance in the face of adversity.
Highs:
- Prithviraj’s outstanding performance, capturing the nuances of a helpless man with sorrowful emotions.
- Stunning cinematography showcasing the vast desert landscapes.
- Perfectly fitting music enhancing the overall experience.
- Compelling story that keeps the audience engaged.
Lows:
- The major drawback lies in the runtime, which might test the patience of some viewers.
Technical Aspects:
The cinematography by Sunil beautifully captures the vast desert landscapes, adding depth to the film’s visuals. AR Rahman’s music complements the scenes perfectly, enhancing the overall viewing experience. The editing is decent, maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the film. Director Blessy’s work in crafting the film is commendable, although more attention could have been paid to its length. The extended duration, coupled with the depressing storyline, may challenge some viewers’ endurance, making it difficult for them to remain engaged.
Verdict:
“The Goat Life” offers a poignant portrayal of Nazeeb’s journey from hope to despair in the Gulf, highlighting the brutality of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit. While its emotional depth and stunning visuals captivate, the film’s lengthy runtime may challenge some viewers’ patience. Overall, it’s a compelling drama that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by many in pursuit of a better life.
Movie title: The Goat Life
Banner: Visual Romance
Release date: 28.03.2024
Censor rating: “U/A”
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Jimmy Jean Lewis, Amalapal, KR Gokul, Talib Al Balushi, Rick Aube
Directed: Blessy
Music: AR Rahman
Cinematography: Sunil KS
Editing: Sreekar Prasad
Produced by: Visual Romance Team
Nizam Distributors: Mythri Movie Distributors
Runtime: 173 minutes
