2018 Movie review
2018 Movie review: “2018,” directed by Jude Anthany Joseph, is a masterful cinematic depiction of the catastrophic floods that ravaged Kerala in 2018, a disaster that etched itself deeply into the memories of the state’s people. With a star-studded cast including Tovino Thomas, Kunchacko Boban, Asif Ali, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Narain, and Lal, the film blends gripping storytelling with poignant performances, capturing not only the physical devastation wrought by the floods but also the emotional resilience and unity that emerged in their wake. This film is as much a testament to Kerala’s bravery as it is a visual retelling of an unparalleled crisis.
2018 Movie review: The narrative of “2018” delicately intertwines multiple character arcs, each portraying different facets of society during the disaster. The lives of fishermen, students, government officials, and everyday citizens converge as their existence is disrupted by a disaster of unprecedented scale. This narrative strategy enables the audience to experience the flood from diverse perspectives, amplifying the intensity of the situation. Through this mosaic of human stories, Joseph crafts a compelling portrait of Kerala, not just as a location, but as a collective spirit bound by empathy and courage.
2018 Movie review: Tovino Thomas delivers a standout performance, embodying the relentless resolve of his character. His portrayal reflects a remarkable depth as he navigates his role with raw emotion and quiet strength, resonating deeply with audiences familiar with the tragedy and even those outside Kerala. Kunchacko Boban’s performance, too, is praiseworthy; his character’s evolution mirrors the transformative nature of a crisis, where personal struggles are set aside to focus on the greater good.
Asif Ali and Vineeth Sreenivasan bring authenticity to their roles, illustrating the unpredictable yet cooperative spirit of people under pressure. Lal and Narain add further gravitas, bringing depth to roles that underscore the sacrifices of public servants and the importance of community leaders in times of crisis. Collectively, the ensemble cast grounds the narrative in realism, making the audience feel as if they are experiencing the tragedy alongside the characters.
2018 Movie review: The direction by Jude Anthany Joseph is truly commendable, for he strikes a sensitive balance between dramatization and reality. Instead of merely reconstructing the events for dramatic effect, Joseph approaches the disaster with respect, avoiding any excessive sensationalism. His direction emphasizes the terror and uncertainty without diluting the spirit of resilience.
Joseph ensures that each character has a purpose and that their individual journeys contribute meaningfully to the collective experience. He avoids the common pitfall of using disaster as a backdrop for unrelated drama; instead, every moment in “2018” is purposeful and deliberate, making it clear that the film’s objective is to honor the memories of those affected rather than exploit their suffering.
2018 Movie review: The technical aspects of the film also deserve special mention. The cinematography captures the vastness of the flood’s devastation, creating a visual narrative that complements the emotional intensity of the storyline. Sweeping shots of submerged cities, overturned vehicles, and flooded homes instill a profound sense of loss and desolation.
The decision to use natural light in many scenes enhances the authenticity, giving the film an almost documentary-like quality. Moreover, the color palette of muted grays and blues subtly underscores the somber tone of the film, emphasizing the feeling of despair that pervaded Kerala during those dark days.
2018 Movie review: The sound design in “2018” is another crucial component that heightens the tension and immersion. The crashing of waves, the pouring rain, and the muffled cries for help are all rendered with meticulous attention to detail, enveloping the viewer in a sensory experience that captures the chaos and helplessness of a community under siege by nature.
Complementing this is the film’s background score, which is used sparingly yet effectively to underscore moments of intense emotional gravity. The music swells at just the right moments, but the film also wisely allows silence to fill certain scenes, reinforcing the feeling of dread and desolation.
2018 Movie review: “2018” is not merely a disaster movie; it is a powerful tribute to the indomitable human spirit. It portrays the selfless acts of courage by countless individuals during the floods, from the fishermen who risked their lives to rescue stranded civilians to the ordinary citizens who opened their homes to provide shelter.
The film’s narrative extends beyond individual heroism, emphasizing the sense of unity and shared humanity that emerged amidst the chaos. By focusing on the collective rather than the individual, the film reinforces the message that heroism during a crisis often manifests in small acts of kindness and cooperation.
2018 Movie review: However, one potential critique of the film is its occasional reliance on emotional manipulation. There are moments when the dialogue or scenes may seem designed primarily to evoke tears, which some viewers may perceive as forced sentimentality. While these moments are effective, they could have been handled with a more restrained approach. Nevertheless, this minor drawback does not detract significantly from the overall impact of the film.
2018 Movie review: “2018” is a landmark film in Malayalam cinema, reflecting a pivotal moment in Kerala’s history with grace and authenticity. Jude Anthany Joseph’s direction, coupled with outstanding performances from a talented ensemble cast, makes this film an evocative retelling of a disaster that transcended borders. It sheds light not only on the tragedy of the floods but also on the resilience of Kerala’s people, celebrating the unsung heroes whose bravery and compassion brought hope in the face of unimaginable adversity.
2018 Movie review: In conclusion, “2018” is a cinematic triumph that offers a heart-wrenching yet inspiring portrayal of Kerala’s 2018 floods. The film succeeds in blending factual representation with artistic expression, providing a deeply moving experience that leaves a lasting impression. It reminds viewers of the fragility of life and the strength of human connections, making it a powerful tribute to those who endured and survived the disaster. Jude Anthany Joseph and his team have created a film that is not just a visual spectacle but also a soulful homage to the resilience and spirit of Kerala.
Director: Jude Anthany Joseph
Producers: Venu Kunnappilly, Anto Joseph, C K Padma Kumar
Music director: Nobin Paul, Dawn Vincent, William Francis
Cinematography: Akhil George