Basenji (2023) Movie Review: Fresh Prespective

The film Basenji is an experimental attempt by filmmaker Ian Scott Clement in which the protagonist suffers in the present as a result of heinous previous events in his life. The film’s visual arts and directing are raw and vivid to the spectator. Excellent effort.

basenji movie review

Basenji Movie Story

The scenario begins with frightening sounds and visuals, and Prabesh (Asim Niroula) feels stressed since he is unable to respond to the current situation. Prabesh is a very miserable and stressed-out individual who struggles to communicate and share his views. He has recently arrived in Bhaktapur from his birthplace to further his education. He enrolls at the college Basu as an art student and begins his study.

Prabesh’s maternal uncle sends him to the Sornim dormitory, which is a hellhole. Aakash (Supreme Rai) joins the same hostel and becomes Prabesh’s roommate. Prabesh and Aakash are polar opposites: Aakash loves to express himself, but Prabesh is a total introvert.

basenji movie 2023

The tale and recollections of Prabesh, who has been nervous and agitated from the beginning, are revealed as the film progresses. When his awful history is all he recollects, he finds it difficult to be mindful and cherish his life.

While Aakash is open to any subject, he spends most of his time discussing conspiracy theories and the cosmos, how the world is collapsing, and how people are suffering. These discussions allow the audience to ponder such notions for a time.

Basenji Movie Cast & Performance

In the film, Asim Niroula (Prabesh) does an excellent job. Asim perfectly portrays the character, who is both anxious and melancholy. While following his journey, we feel both empathic and sympathetic as an audience. He beautifully depicts the trials and difficulties of pain. Most of the time, we view the world through Asim’s eyes, and how he feels and perceives it. It’s a distinct method of presenting and storytelling. Amazing work!

Supreme Rai (Aakash) is another significant character in the film who likes discussing conspiracies, abstractions, and different opinions on how the world is falling. While Supreme offers those thoughts to Asim, the audience is intrigued, and we as an audience wonder if those things are true. Supreme portrays a wonderful role and does a fine job of portraying it. His approach and technique of exploring everything like a typical adolescent, capture the interest of the viewers. Well done!

Mithila Sharma (Nisha Thapa) plays an art instructor who likes to educate and encourage learners to be creative and step beyond their comfort zone. She did an excellent job in the film, and we fell in love with the character by the way she expresses herself to the students. Excellent work!

In the center of the jungle, Ankeet Khadka (Diviner) is observed doing tiny rites. It feels like a cameo in the film, yet it’s really powerful and vibrant. The way Ankeet illustrates it, the audience feels on the edge of their seats and is moved. We expect more from the character as he develops. Good performance!

Basenji Movie Cast: Asim Niroula, Supreme Rai, Sarita Giri, Raj Sharma, Mithila Sharma, Mokshya Adhikari, Ankeet Khadka, Pravesh Upreti, Sudipa Pathak, Niru Khadka, and Pratik Dulal

Direction & Story Telling

Ian Scott Clement, the director/writer, uses raw and distinctive cinematography to present a unique narrative. One of the finest aspects of the film is its cinematography; as viewers, we feel as if we are entering the protagonist’s world and experiencing what he feels and appreciates. Rajiv Manandhar, the cinematographer, has made significant contributions to presenting a raw style of storytelling that genuinely explores and adds value to the director’s vision and viewpoint. The film is straightforward, but the directors used reverse engineering to make it more fascinating and dramatic. Excellent attempt at producing decent film.

Basenji Movie Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ / 5

 

Watch Basenji Movie Trailer

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