Zarrar Khan’s 2023 film In Flames is a powerful and disturbing exploration of patriarchal oppression and survival in Pakistan. The film follows Mariam (Ramesha Nawal), a young woman whose life is turned upside down after the death of her father. With her family now left without a breadwinner, Mariam is forced to confront the harsh realities of life as a woman in a society where men hold all the power.
Zarrar Kahn’s In Flames, which premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, is a genre-bending horror film that is both visually stunning and emotionally heart-wrenching. The film follows Mariam (Ramesha Nawal), a medical student in Karachi, Pakistan, who is being pursued by a demonic force from her past.
Khan’s film is a slow-burning horror film that builds tension and suspense masterfully. The atmosphere is oppressive and claustrophobic, reflecting the constricted lives of the women in the film. The film is also deeply disturbing, as it depicts the various forms of violence and abuse that women in Pakistan are subjected to on a daily basis.
One of the most striking things about In Flames is its layered and complex representation of patriarchal oppression. Khan shows how oppression is not just about physical violence, but also about the psychological and emotional abuse that women are subjected to. The film also shows how oppression is not just about what is done to women, but also about what is denied to them. Mariam and the other women in the film are denied basic freedoms and opportunities, and they are constantly living in fear of reprisal from the men in their lives.
Khan’s film is also a powerful story of survival. Despite all the odds stacked against her, Mariam refuses to give up. She finds strength in herself and in her relationship with her mother, and she fights to create a better life for herself and her family.
A Gripping Tale About Surviving Emotional Trauma
In Flames is much more than just a horror film. It is a gripping tale about surviving emotional trauma, the misogyny woven into the fabric of fundamentalist cultures, and the power of female resilience.
Mariam is a complex and well-developed character. She is intelligent, resourceful, and determined, but she is also struggling to cope with the trauma of her past. Her mother, Fariha (Naghma Shah), is a deeply religious woman who is more concerned with maintaining her reputation than with helping her daughter.
The demonic force that is pursuing Mariam is initially left ambiguous, but it is eventually revealed to be the embodiment of her own trauma. The film does an excellent job of depicting the ways in which trauma can manifest itself physically and psychologically.
In Flames is a must-see film for anyone who wants to understand the realities of life for women in Pakistan and the global struggle for gender equality. It is a powerful and disturbing film, but it is also an important and necessary one.
The Film’s Themes
- Patriarchal oppression: In Flames is a powerful exploration of patriarchal oppression and its impact on the lives of women. The film shows how oppression is not just about physical violence, but also about the psychological and emotional abuse that women are subjected to. The film also shows how oppression is not just about what is done to women, but also about what is denied to them. Mariam and the other women in the film are denied basic freedoms and opportunities, and they are constantly living in fear of reprisal from the men in their lives.
- Survival: In Flames is also a powerful story of survival. Despite all the odds stacked against her, Mariam refuses to give up. She finds strength in herself and in her relationship with her mother, and she fights to create a better life for herself and her family.
- Trauma: The film also explores the trauma that women experience as a result of patriarchal oppression. Mariam is haunted by the memories of the abuse that she has suffered, and she struggles to come to terms with the violence that she has witnessed.
- Resilience: Despite the trauma that she has experienced, Mariam remains resilient. She finds the strength to fight back against oppression and to create a better life for herself and her family.
The Film’s Strengths
- Powerful performances: Ramesha Nawal gives a breakout performance as Mariam. She is able to convey Mariam’s strength, vulnerability, and resilience in a nuanced and believable way. The supporting cast is also excellent, with particularly strong performances from Asif Khan as Mariam’s father and Lubna Salim as Mariam’s mother.
- Atmospheric direction: Zarrar Khan’s direction is atmospheric and suspenseful. He creates a sense of dread and foreboding that permeates the entire film.
- Complex and layered story: In Flames is a complex and layered film that explores a number of important themes. Khan does not shy away from difficult topics, and he presents them in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
The Film’s Weaknesses
- Slow pace: Some viewers may find the film’s slow pace to be off-putting. However, the slow pace is essential to the film’s atmosphere and its exploration of its themes.
- Disturbing content: The film depicts violence and abuse against women. This content may be disturbing to some viewers.
Visually Stunning and Emotionally Heart-Wrenching
In Flames is a visually stunning film. Kahn uses a variety of cinematic techniques to create a sense of atmosphere and suspense. The film is also notable for its strong performances, particularly from Nawal and Shah.
The film’s emotional climax is both powerful and moving. It is a testament to Kahn’s skill as a filmmaker that he is able to balance the film’s horror elements with its more dramatic themes.
Analysis of the Film’s Genre-Bending Elements
In Flames is a genre-bending film that elements of horror, psychological drama, and social commentary. The film’s horror elements are effective in creating a sense of suspense and dread. However, the film is more than just a scare fest. It is also a thoughtful and insightful exploration of trauma, misogyny, and female resilience.
One of the ways in which In Flames subverts the horror genre is by focusing on the psychological impact of trauma on its protagonist. Mariam is not simply a victim of a demonic force. She is also a victim of her own past. The film shows how trauma can manifest itself in physical and psychological ways.
Another way in which In Flames subverts the horror genre is by focusing on the relationship between Mariam and her mother, Fariha. While Fariha is initially portrayed as an antagonist, the film eventually reveals the complexity of her character. Fariha is a product of her own culture and upbringing. She is also a victim of misogyny.
The film’s social commentary is particularly evident in its portrayal of misogyny in Pakistani culture. Mariam is constantly harassed and threatened by men, both in public and in private. The film shows how misogyny can create a climate of fear and violence for women.
Conclusion
In Flames is a powerful and disturbing exploration of patriarchal oppression and survival in Pakistan. It is a must-see film for anyone who wants to understand the realities of life for women in Pakistan and the global struggle for gender equality.
In Flames is a must-see film for fans of horror and psychological drama. It is a well-crafted film with a strong cast, a compelling story, and stunning visuals. The film is also a thought-provoking exploration of trauma, misogyny, and female resilience.
