"Saturday Afternoon" is a deeply emotional film directed by the talented Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, exploring a similar context to "The Holy Artisan Attack" which refers to a terrorist attack that took place on July 1, 2016, in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. The target of the attack was the Holey Artisan Bakery, a popular café located in the Gulshan diplomatic zone of Dhaka. The attackers entered the café and took several hostages, including both locals and foreigners.
The storyline unfolds as a diverse group of individuals becomes trapped in a restaurant on a Saturday afternoon in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Farooki's skilled direction creates a palpable sense of tension within the confined space, effectively using it as a backdrop to delve into the characters' innermost fears, regrets, and desires.
The stellar performances of the cast, especially Nusrat Imrose Tisha in one of the lead roles and Zahid Hasan also, both contributed to the film's emotional depth. Infusing the film with genuine emotion, and the chemistry among the rest of the cast enhances the impact of the unfolding drama.
Visually, "Saturday Afternoon" offers a stunning cinematic experience. "Saturday Afternoon" is noteworthy not only for its compelling narrative but also for its remarkable camerawork, particularly the ambitious use of a single-shot technique. The film is crafted to appear as though it unfolds seamlessly in real-time, shot in a continuous take without any noticeable cuts. The cinematography and editing contribute to a seamless narrative flow, immersing the audience in the characters' lives.
However, opinions on the film's reception vary. While some laud it as a masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression, others express disappointment in what they perceive as a lack of story build-up and scattered plot elements.
I really liked the film personally and will recommend it to everyone.
8/10.
