MWFF’09 Review: Refrain
The theme of women in abusive relationships has been absent from the mainstream film limelight, as if somehow Hollywood solved the problem years ago. It takes a no-budget independent from Montréal, writer/director Tyler Gibb, to revive the familiar story. In Refrain, the goal is not just to escape the cycle of violence, but also to break oneself free of the cycle of dependence, and to accomplish a personal change that can revitalize one’s talents. The result is a film that far exceeds the limitations of its budgetary restraints.
Refrain tells the story of Riya (Vidya Lutchman), a young woman who is stuck in the repetitive grind of an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Ash. Ironically, it is the random outbreaks of violence, leaving her bruised and bloody in the bathroom every night, that inspire her to re-ignite a passion for writing. Her inspiration begins as a snippets of lyrics written in a notebook, and the humming of tunes. As she gains confidence, as well as a friendship with a fellow musician she meets online, Zeph, her music develops beyond just outlines and becomes fully formed songs. It is through a relationship with a ninjitsu instructor, Lin, that she gains the courage to begin stepping outside of her docile nature and potentially break it off with Ash.
Riya’s story could just have been the platform for actress Vidya Lutchman’s beautiful singing voice and accompanying soundtrack, but Tyler Gibb shows off his skill at writing by fleshing out the four main characters (Riya, Ash, Zeph and Lin) and making them more than just caricatures, by allowing both the film’s silences and its music as exposition for emotion, and by sidestepping some of the clichés one could come to expect from a film about domestic abuse. For Riya, there is a lesson to be learned beyond simply escaping the cycle of violence. She learns from her experiences with both Zeph and Lin, and realizes that escaping the abuse is not enough - she must change as a person and gain freedom from dependence. Ash too is given a chance for redemption, despite the ferociousness of his actions. Human beings can change; but in order to do so must be reminded daily of what they once were and accept their previous selves.
Refrain is clearly an independent production: but from the washed out colours of its video quality rises a beautiful and sad story. Its title speaks to both the musical aspirations of its main character, but also the repetition in her own life - and how breaking this repetition may also break her aspirations: it’s an unusual but unique choice that comes off as a more realistic portrayal of the longstanding effects of oppression. Do yourself a favour and give this one a chance. Few and far between, this one joins the ranks of Who is KK Downey? and Adam’s Wall as one the finest English-language Montréal independent productions in recent years.
Film Festivals, Film Reviews | 
August 30, 2009
Subscribe