Directed by Dhruv Behl | Reviewed
by Debopam Deb Roy
In the Blink of An Eye is a Hindi short film written
and directed by Dhruv Behl, aka �?DhruVerse’ in the year
2021. The film shows us the story of a couple whose
fragmented relationship starts a chain of incidents that
change their lives forever. Set inside an apartment, the
camera explores the spatial elements with the help of a
number of editing devices like parallel editing, cross
cutting, deep focus and shot-reverse shot techniques. 
The
film runs for 23 minutes approximately within which multiple
characters get involved in a series of terrifying incidents,
including the murder of a young woman. In The Blink of
An Eye shows us an example of how things can go
wrong when certain complexities develop between two people
in a relationship because of lack of communication and
trust. In totality, the film quite subtly explores the
underlying fragmented world of Arjun (Usman Khan) and Naisha
(Dakshi Lamba) beneath a façade of happiness and warmth that
the couple share with each other. Apart from the treatment
of spatial elements, it is quite inspiring to observe how
the film treats its temporal elements as well. The camera
movements guide the audience’s vision quite effectively and
has true potential in holding the viewer’s attention without
any diversion.
Talking
about skilled camera work, it is quite interesting to
observe how the camera builds up the space inside the
apartment and gradually, moves towards establishing the
relationship quotient between Arjun and Naisha. In a
particular scene where we see the both of them seated in
their respective positions, the way the characters are
framed is worth analyzing. The camera is placed behind a
wooden framework and through its empty spaces, we get to see
the two of them. They are seated at a distance apart from
each other, both of them occupying separate boxes for the
viewer to identify with the characters, while a separate box
frames the two glasses of wine kept side by side. The
presence of grid lines in this scene is symbolic of their
broken relationship whereas both of them are still in love
with each other, symbolized by the wine glasses. In this
rapidly changing 21st century, there is no room
for emotional understanding or stability between two people.
People prioritize their own ego instead of trying to lend an
ear to the other person for once. In The Blink of An Eye
is a reflection of this fragmented nature of society,
where a couple fails to put their differences aside and
chooses to resort to argument and violence over mutual
understanding.
The
film starts with Naisha and Arjun arguing over some issue
which is not readily made visible to the viewers. Only
through the repeated use of flashback sequences do we come
to know what the issue is. Arjun decides to bring home a
girl whom he had met at a party in absence of Naisha. In the
meantime, a montage sequence shows Naisha decorating the
room with candles, anticipating Arjun’s return just to give
him a surprise on the special occasion of their anniversary.
As the doorbell rings, Naisha prepares to wish Arjun, but
her excitement wears off at the immediate sight of the girl
he had brought along with him. Naisha, unable to withstand
the feeling of betrayal, resorts to violence resulting in
her immediate death. While Arjun wants to call the police
and surrender to the law for the mishap, Naisha does not
want to involve the police out of fear of going to jail.
Before they further decide upon anything, a man from a
different suite comes looking for help as his pregnant wife,
who had gone into labour, immediately needs to be taken to
the hospital. Coincidentally, he discovers the lifeless body
of the girl and tries to run away. The couple, out of fear
of being caught by the police, chases after him and knocks
him senseless. From this point onwards, the story takes a
bitter turn and a series of unfortunate events follow.
The
film also deserves credit for the brilliant set design that
leaves a haunting impact long after it ends. A space so
warmly lit and decorated suddenly turns into a space of
horror within a matter of time. The flawless direction and
seamless editing do not give the viewer any chance of
anticipating what is about to follow. Each frame has been
treated with efficacy and the audio tracks used to
compliment each scene is equally appreciable. In The
Blink of An Eye is one such film that can be
watched multiple times and deserves to win a rightful
position in the global competition.
Debopam
Deb Roy graduated from Jadavpur University with
Film Studies. He is currently working as a
Blogger/Reviewer/Unit production manager in Kolkata.
