Family reunion shows are amongst the most popular on TV.
Usually they are an excuse for much weeping with violins swirling in the
background. Amidst the clichés are some heart-wrenching tales of forced
separation and dire circumstances. Although commercial television
networks present them in clichéd fashion, the core stories featured are often
compelling. ‘Lion’ takes its cue from the ‘long lost family’ genre.
It follows a familiar trajectory but is no less engrossing as its televisual
brethren.
Saroo (Dev Patel) lives with his adoptive Australian parents
John (David Wenham) and Sue (Nicole Kidman). Despite having been with
them for 25 years and thinking of them as his parents, Saroo longs to uncover
his past. In this quest he is helped by girlfriend Lucy (Rooney
Mara). Travelling to India in search of his biological family, he
uncovers a tale of heart-break and lost opportunities. Determined to
reveal the mysteries of his past, Saroo’s life is radically altered by what he
discovers.
Capably directed by Garth Davis, ‘Lion’ is about
identity. Although Saroo has carved out his own life, his sense of
identity haunts him. Although raised in Australia, his Indian heritage
still lingers. How he grapples with this drives ‘Lion’s story. His
love for his adoptive parents is real but so is the one for his birth
parents. This emotional conflict affects those around him in interesting
ways. Davis ensues these elements are expertly interwoven in a
captivating narrative until the final denouncement.
The cinematography of the Australian and Indian locales is
sublime. It effectively captures two different cultures in all their
beauty. This adds to Saroo’s battle between home and heart. As
strongly portrayed by Patel, it is easy sympathising with his journey and his
efforts in finding closure. Occasionally the screenplay drags with an
overlapping of exposition taking away focus. ‘Lion’s central issue is
always shown with each character attempting to make the best of a difficult
situation.
‘Lion’ is a solid drama making the most of its
premise. Whilst it over-indulges in emotional beats on occasion, it
generally tells its story well. True tales are often more compelling than
fictional ones which ‘Lion’ highlights in under-stated fashion.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 7
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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