Bougainvillea: A Flawed Thriller with Moments of Brilliance
Amal Neerad’s Bougainvillea, based on Lajo Jose’s novel Ruthinte Lokam, dives into the world of psychological suspense. The story follows Reethu (Jyothirmayi), who struggles with retrograde amnesia after a car accident. Her husband, Royce (Kunchacko Boban), takes care of her, until a police investigation into a missing girl disrupts their lives. The narrative’s strength lies in its psychological exploration of Reethu’s fractured memory, but despite a strong build-up, the film falls short due to an unconvincing climax.
A Struggle with Unreliable Memory
The concept of unreliable memory plays a central role in the narrative of Bougainvillea. Reethu’s perception of reality constantly shifts, and the audience is left in suspense, questioning the truth of what they see through her eyes. Whether it’s a painting or an interaction, Reethu’s memory lapses create an engaging uncertainty that adds depth to her character. These moments of vulnerability and confusion resonate through the film, especially in the way Amal Neerad crafts the sequences visually.
The film successfully pulls viewers into Reethu’s world, leaving them unsure of what is real and what is imagined. This state of confusion becomes a compelling narrative device, as it keeps the audience on edge. Jyothirmayi’s performance brings authenticity to this delicate portrayal of a woman trapped between reality and illusion.
A Slow-Building Investigation
The film’s narrative slowly unfolds as Reethu’s memory lapses become intertwined with a police investigation involving a missing girl. The film takes its time, creating a slow-burning suspense as the investigation circles back to Reethu. The audience gets a glimpse of her fractured memories, while the investigators search for clues that may have been lost in her mind.
The slow build-up is one of the film’s strongest aspects. Amal Neerad’s direction is meticulous in creating an atmosphere of suspense, gradually peeling back layers of the mystery. The exploration of Reethu’s mind is intriguing, offering a psychological edge that distinguishes Bougainvillea from traditional thrillers. However, the slow pace may test the patience of some viewers, especially as the film transitions into its final act.
Retrograde Amnesia as a Plot Device
Reethu’s retrograde amnesia serves as both a narrative driver and a cinematic tool. While memory loss has been used in many psychological thrillers, Bougainvillea uses it to evoke a sense of fragility. Her condition is a direct consequence of a road accident, which sets the stage for the unraveling of her character. Jyothirmayi embodies Reethu’s vulnerability with grace, giving life to her uncertainty and confusion.
Amnesia in this film isn’t just a plot device but becomes a metaphor for the film’s fragmented storytelling. The audience, much like Reethu, is unable to piece the entire puzzle together until the final moments. This creates an immersive experience, allowing viewers to engage with the film’s psychological depth.
Strong Cinematic Elements
Amal Neerad, known for his unique visual storytelling, brings his signature style to Bougainvillea. The director’s use of intricate sound design and meticulous cinematography elevates the film’s mood. Neerad’s visual depiction of Reethu’s momentary lapses of memory adds to the tension. Whether through subtle camera movements or quick, disorienting cuts, the film visually represents Reethu’s disjointed reality.
The sound design plays a crucial role in building the atmosphere. The shifts between silence and heightened sounds during Reethu’s memory lapses mirror her inner turmoil, enhancing the psychological aspect of the film. These technical elements make Bougainvillea a visually rich and audibly immersive experience.
However, despite these strong cinematic elements, the film falters in its storytelling. Amal Neerad’s direction is hindered by a screenplay that doesn’t fully deliver on the promise of its premise. While the set-up is engaging and thought-provoking, the final act fails to wrap up the narrative satisfactorily, leaving viewers wanting more.
Climax and Unconvincing Plot Twist
The film’s climax, despite the strong build-up, ends on an underwhelming note. The plot twist feels forced, and some of the narrative decisions seem more focused on shock value rather than serving the story. The attempt to amp up the violence towards the end also feels unnecessary, as it doesn’t quite align with the slow-burn thriller that was set up earlier.
One of the main criticisms is the inclusion of a backstory involving the villain’s grandfather, which feels disconnected from the main plot. The reference to The Usual Suspects with the reuse of the “greatest trick the devil ever pulled” line, while iconic in its original context, feels misplaced and jarring here.
Amal Neerad has previously struggled with closing his films in a neat and satisfying manner, and Bougainvillea is no exception. While films like Varathan succeeded in delivering a tight narrative arc, Bougainvillea stumbles in its attempt to tie together its various threads.
Cast Performances
Jyothirmayi shines in her portrayal of Reethu, making a strong return to the screen after almost a decade. Her performance adds depth and believability to the character, especially in moments where she grapples with her unreliable memory. Even when the script falters, Jyothirmayi’s nuanced portrayal helps carry the film.
Kunchacko Boban, on the other hand, delivers a relatively subdued performance as Royce. While his character is supposed to be a calming and supportive presence in Reethu’s life, Boban’s portrayal doesn’t fully capture the complexity of a man dealing with his wife’s memory loss while being drawn into a criminal investigation.
Fahadh Faasil and Sharafudheen, both accomplished actors, are underutilized in the film. Their roles feel more like afterthoughts, as if they were cast just to increase the film’s star power. Their characters don’t contribute significantly to the narrative, leaving the audience with the impression that their talents were wasted.
Amal Neerad’s Direction: Strengths and Weaknesses
Amal Neerad’s directorial style is distinctive, and his strengths lie in crafting atmospheric and visually striking films. In Bougainvillea, Neerad brings his usual flair for mood and tension, which helps maintain interest even when the plot loses momentum. His attention to detail in sound design and cinematography ensures that the film remains a sensory experience.
However, as with some of Neerad’s previous works, the film’s pacing and narrative structure leave something to be desired. The film’s slow build-up is engaging, but the climax feels rushed and unsatisfying. The film could have benefited from a more cohesive plot and a stronger conclusion.
Despite these shortcomings, Bougainvillea stands out as an ambitious attempt to explore the psychological thriller genre in Malayalam cinema. Neerad’s direction, paired with strong performances from the cast, keeps the audience engaged, even if the film doesn’t fully live up to its potential.
Final Verdict: A Promising Premise that Falls Short
Bougainvillea is a film that had the potential to be a gripping psychological thriller, but its flaws prevent it from reaching the heights it aims for. The narrative’s reliance on Reethu’s unreliable memory creates an intriguing premise, and Jyothirmayi’s performance adds emotional weight to the story. However, the film’s uneven pacing and unconvincing plot twist detract from its overall impact.
The strong build-up, meticulous direction, and atmospheric visuals make Bougainvillea a worthwhile watch for fans of slow-burn thrillers. However, the lackluster climax and underdeveloped supporting characters leave much to be desired. In the end, Bougainvillea feels like a missed opportunity — a film that could have been more if its narrative had matched the strength of its technical execution.
Rating: 2.5/5
While Bougainvillea delivers moments of brilliance, it ultimately fails to live up to its promise. The strong performances and technical prowess are overshadowed by an unconvincing plot and a rushed conclusion. Nevertheless, it remains a visually compelling film, showcasing Amal Neerad’s skill as a director, even if the narrative doesn’t fully support his vision.
