Some regions are known for their distinct style of filmmaking. One of them is Turkey.
The succulent creations from the country have always a touch of engaging somberness to them. Ashes is the latest Turkish flick to hit Netflix.
It promises to be a psychological, suspenseful, and romantic affair and runs for almost 100 minutes.
Does it build on the rich Turkish legacy? Here’s my review.
Ashes Movie Synopsis
An expert in the task of vetting manuscripts, Gökçe is enraptured by a fictional story that gradually starts unfolding in the real world.
However, by the time the clouds of suspicion bark in, she is already neck-deep into infidelity.
Directed by Erdem Tepegöz, the movie features Alperen Duymaz (Ali), Funda Eryi?it (Gökçe), and Mehmet Gunsur (Kenan) in lead roles.
What Works for Ashes?
The storyline puts forward a tale inside a tale. Gökçe starts reading a manuscript, submitted by an unknown author.
From the very first page, she finds it alluring enough to be explored in the real world. Hence, she begins searching for places and characters mentioned inside it.
The plot burns slowly to prepare you for a story about infidelity, mystery, and thrill.
To some extent, Ashes is suspenseful in the second half, thanks to its fascinating background score. The execution of the idea is done remarkably.
Putting fiction inside an already fictional concept carries the risk of getting muffled in the viewer’s mind.
But the way Ashes continues in the middle phase never feels vague.
Also, the film has some interspersed VFX edits that play out smoothly. They are finely blended with the movie’s contextual premise.
Ashes has a slightly dark ring to it, where the screenplay divulges into the realm of mystique at a natural pace.
It justifies the indistinguishable flair of Turkish filmmaking, in my opinion.
The best part about Ashes is it makes you think largely because of the movie’s enigmatic ending.
How are the Performances?
Funda Eryi?it plays Gökçe in Ashes. She flawlessly reflects the urbanity of the character and goes through with its intricacies in a profound manner.
Her telegenic quality is magnetic, sharp, and eye-soothing.
There are many indistinguishable factors associated with Eryi?it’s act, including, but not limited to, expressional acuity, emotional intelligence, and creative discipline.
Alperen Duymaz portrays Ali and comes across as a mystical individual. He infuses the movie with a refreshing dynamic of suspense.
His interconnectedness with the traits of a fictional person comes out well. The hidden rage, reserved mien, and slightly authoritative screen meandering are other elements to look out for.
What Doesn’t Work for Ashes?
The film, although with a cryptical concept, takes too long to reveal the mysteries. And when it does, Ashes cannot meet the desired expectations.
The problem with leaving too much to unfurl in too little time is the viewers start trying heavily.
They might like the trepidations, but their satisfaction levels stay grounded.
All the movie needed was a bit more logical sense towards the end. Instead of drama, the focus should have been on authenticity.
I mean nobody puts anything on fire and puts it on their dining table. It hardly holds true in real life.
The rage of a character is understandable, but just to put the title of the movie to use may have been avoided.
Lastly, I think the dwindling down of Gökçe and Kenan’s love life should have been given more time or at least laced with some depth.
Stream or Skip?
Well, it is not a perfect movie, and giving it a go depends on your personal likeliness for the genre.
I feel Ashes falls back purely because of its underplaying nature in the final ten minutes.
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