Tamil cinema’s latest endeavor into the world of high-concept thrillers unfolds with “Black,” a film that utilizes an uncommon celestial event—the Supermoon—as its mysterious backdrop. Starring Jiiva and Priya Bhavani Shankar, this mind-bending thriller captures the audience’s imagination with its unique premise and proficient performances, all while drawing inspiration from the 2013 Hollywood film “Coherence.”
“Black” introduces viewers to Vasanth and Aranya, a couple portrayed by Jiiva and Priya, who decide to unwind at their newly built row-house villa situated within a gated community. As the couple settles in, the narrative takes a historical detour, mentioning an inexplicable event from 1964 associated with a Supermoon. This otherworldly phenomenon returns, forcing Vasanth and Aranya to grapple with a reality that challenges the very laws of time and physics.
The film’s primary strength lies in its ability to maintain intrigue from beginning to end, despite being primarily set within a single location and featuring just two leading actors for the majority of its runtime. Director KG Balasubramani, making his debut, skillfully handles this narrative challenge alongside cinematographer Gokul Benoy and editor Philomin Raj. The trio crafts a captivating experience with a well-written screenplay that methodically reveals the mysteries at the heart of “Black,” though occasionally the pacing could have been more evenly distributed.
The film provides an initial glimpse into the characters’ personalities and their relationship before delving into its thrilling core. Once the couple moves into their new home, the intensity escalates with each passing moment. Despite the limited cast, “Black” manages to keep viewers engaged, showcasing the couple’s struggle against the inexplicable force field that traps them.
As compelling as the first half is, the film’s purported shortcomings become apparent in the second half. An instance where Vasanth, in a state of disarray, leaves his house and becomes entangled in a misunderstanding with law enforcement, feels visually disconnected despite its narrative intent.
. However, the most fascinating element in “Black” is the Supermoon-induced force field, which resembles a black hole, absorbing light and acting as a portal across timelines.
This scientific enigma is explained towards the film’s conclusion. While the intricate exposition involving quantum concepts such as super-positioning, parallel realities, mentions of urban legends like the Bermuda Triangle, and thought experiments like Schrödinger’s cat might deter some audiences unfamiliar with these notions, it does not significantly impede the enjoyment for those versed in time-travel paradoxes.
What truly elevates “Black,” beyond its technical prowess, are the performances of its leads. Jiiva delivers an exceptional performance, marking a robust return after several career missteps, perfectly embodying his character’s complexities. Equally noteworthy, Priya imbues her role with depth, embodying a character that defies typical thriller tropes, adding layers to the narrative and aiding in its unraveling for the audience.
While “Black” might evoke memories of other films and series within the same genre, it respects its audience by neither taking them for granted nor resorting to oversimplification. Instead, it presents a layered narrative that challenges viewers to think critically. This film, like the Kannada feature “Blink” earlier this year, distinguishes itself by preserving its intellectual core, in contrast to other films that dilute their narrative strength by over-explaining.
In summary, “Black” stands out as a well-executed thriller, buoyed by a gripping screenplay, talented front-line performances, and a robust technical crew. Despite a few minor flaws, it leaves audiences yearning for more such cinematic experiences, without the wait for another Supermoon occurrence. “Black” is currently showing in theaters, offering an enigmatic journey into the depths of high-concept thriller narratives, and showcasing Tamil cinema’s potential in this intriguing genre.
