An Intriguing Neo-Noir Thriller – Merry Christmas Movie Review
Merry Christmas is the latest neo-noir thriller from acclaimed director Sriram Raghavan, known for films like Andhadhun and Badlapur. Starring Vijay Sethupathi and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles, this Christmas-themed murder mystery released in theaters on January 12, 2024.
A Slow-Burning Plot That Keeps You Guessing
The film follows the events of Christmas eve when a man named Albert (Vijay Sethupathi) returns to Mumbai after being in jail for murder. He crosses paths with Maria (Katrina Kaif), a woman with a strained marriage who is out for dinner with her young daughter. Through conversations, their complex backstories and motivations start getting revealed. The first half focuses on establishing the characters and their dynamics through extensive dialogues.
As secrets start unravelling, the plot takes thrilling twists and turns leading up to an unconventional climax. Merry Christmas has an absorbing, slowly-burning narrative that keeps you hooked and guessing throughout. Though the pacing may seem slow at first, Raghavan takes his time to meticulously lay the groundwork for all the pieces to come together in the riveting second half.
Vijay Sethupathi Shines in a Nuanced Performance
As the mild-mannered and deadpan Albert, Vijay Sethupathi delivers an outstanding performance marked by subtle humor and his trademark poker-faced acting. He brings an intriguing opacity and mystery to the character that leaves much open to interpretation. Vijay perfectly portrays the unstable nature of Albert without making it feel diabolical.
Katrina Kaif Holds her Own Opposite Vijay
Known primarily for commercial roles, Katrina Kaif proves her acting chops with a refreshingly restrained performance as Maria. She conveys the character’s hidden vulnerability and complexity through expressions and body language rather than overt theatrics. Though some close-up scenes appear unnerving, Katrina succeeds in creating an air of mysteriousness around Maria. Her chemistry with Vijay Sethupathi makes their bizarre bonding seem authentic.
Technical Aspects Complement the Mysterious Mood
From the lighting to background score and cinematography, the technical aspects of Merry Christmas are top-notch. The production design plays a crucial role in building tension – right from the opening montage contrasting the mixers to the unique architecture of the apartments. Cinematographer Madhu Neelakandan does an excellent job of bringing Raghavan’s twisted world to life through framing and camera work. The dance sequence featuring Vijay and Katrina set against the Christmas decor stands out as a highlight.
The Climax May Divide Opinions
The unconventional and open-ended climax seems to be the most polarising aspect of Merry Christmas. While some critics found the experimental climax underwhelming, others appreciated the fresh approach. It does make you reflect on the narrative and come up with your own interpretations. But the lack of a wow factor that Raghavan’s films are known for is sorely missing. The climax could have been elevated with stronger writing and direction.
Final Verdict
Despite some shortcomings, Merry Christmas succeeds as an intriguing neo-noir due to Raghavan’s masterful direction and screenplay. For those who enjoy slow-burning mysteries and don’t mind ambiguous endings, this Vijay-Katrina starrer is a must watch. It may test your patience early on, but remains an engaging thriller with captivating performances. While it doesn’t reach the masterpiece levels of Andhadhun, Merry Christmas has enough cinematic flair and complexity to make it a rewarding watch overall.
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