‘You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.’
Wild Geese: By Mary Oliver
The poem, Wild Geese is a beautiful accompaniment to a scene that creates an almost tangible level of intimacy. The heightened chemistry present between Vanessa (Rasika Sunil) and Colette is an astounding achievement in just the first two and a half minutes of the film. This excellent set up proves to make later revelations devastatingly emotional.
Vanessa has tried to make the best of both worlds but eventually she has to choose between her husband to-be and the woman it seems she actually loves. Vanessa and Colette are then destined to be apart, trapped in a marriage of comfort rather than love or left in the fallout of a passionate but infeasible affair. Despite all of this, they postpone the inevitable for one more night, keeping the audience hoping for a Hollywood resolution.
As their night of fun becomes morning, it is clear that this is the end. We find ourselves longing for the intimacy so expertly crafted at the beginning of the film. Instead, we are left with a sense bitter regret and the passionate romance now seems like a furtive affair. Nonetheless, their final parting is consumed with emotion – especially the final shot of Colette as she watches Vanessa walk away.
Greenwood has directed a simple narrative of forbidden love with artistic flair. Sunil is wonderful, creating a microcosm of pleasure and pain that is both intimate and somehow universal.
Excellent review and short story. So many emotions are evoked in a such a short time. The images and characters convey an ambiance of softness which contrast well with the harsh reality. Well done.