Major Arcana

Major Arcana is an understated, yet impactful film that came out in 2018. Directed by Josh Melrod, this film primarily features Ujon Tokarski, Tara Summers and Lane Bradbury who masterfully bring the story to life. Josh Melrod, in his directorial debut, paints an astoundingly human picture of the characters, their battles, and the environment they exist in.

"Major Arcana" unfolds in the breathtaking landscapes of rural Vermont. The movie centers around Dink, a protagonist plagued by complexities. As an itinerant carpenter returning from a self-imposed wilderness sabbatical, he is played to perfection by Ujon Tokarski. The character Dink is a recovering alcoholic, who has challenges to face, namely, bridging the gap between his old ways and his pursuit of a more meaningful life.

Dink decides to cope with his struggles in an unusual way - by returning to his hometown in the forest-swept Vermont landscape to build a log cabin by hand. The character, embellished by Tokarski's commendable acting, conveys a depth of realism, as the psychological tug-of-war in Dink leaves him teetering on the brink of regression and progression, creating a fascinating character study.

Tara Summers portrays Sierra, Dink's long-lost and newly reconnected love interest; she's the embodiment of a simple, small-town character albeit with complexities of her own. Sierra's ongoing tryst with security, stability, and the very concept of love decidedly impacts the dynamics of her relationship with Dink. Summers portrays the character Sierra with grace, fortitude, and a quiet strength that subtly serves as the emotional backbone of "Major Arcana".

Akin to the exquisite Vermont landscapes that serve as the backdrop of the film, the matters of the heart in "Major Arcana" are also the crux of the storyline. The film artfully navigates through themes of love, redemption, self-builds, your past's specter, and the constant sway between regression and transformation.

The role of Jean - Dink's mother, portrayed by veteran actor Lane Bradbury, adds another layer to the film's narrative. Jean's complexity reflects in her strained relationship with Dink, which is as compelling as it is heart-rending. Bradbury brilliantly maneuvers through her character, bringing forth a marvelous performance.

"Major Arcana" is as much about a man's struggle with his own weaknesses as it is about his interactions with the people around him. Its reflection on life, battles, and redemption is as thoughtful as it is profound.

Yet, the film also cleverly represents the themes of 'universal elements of life' that are depicted by the tarot deck's major arcana cards—truly honouring its title. Thus, viewers may find hints of symbolic instances throughout the film, amplifying the introspective journey embarked upon by the protagonist.

A striking feature of this indie drama is its meticulous cinematography. "Major Arcana" showcases the raw beauty of Vermont in autumn, accentuating the story's searing realism. At times gentle and idyllic, at others vast and overwhelming, the film's enveloping wilderness is depicted as an entity on its own, reflecting the protagonist's own internal turmoil.

The director, Josh Melrod, along with the cinematographer, Taylor Rae, have also masterfully captured the nitty-gritty of old-school carpentry, a subtle motif throughout the film that magnifies Dink's self-redeeming journey.

"Major Arcana" is a testament to the struggles of homecoming, self-reformation, love, and life as a whole. It offers no easy solutions but signifies the pivotal essence of persisting through life's challenges.

To sum it up, "Major Arcana" isn't a movie that merely tells a story. Instead, it is a visually captivating and emotionally charged film that encourages viewers to introspect on their own lives and relationships. By the end of the film, viewers would not simply feel like observers; instead, they would feel like participants in Dink's poignant journey—sharing in his trials, tribulations, and eventual transformation. This is a film where the resonance of raw human emotion vibrates from every scene, leaving a lasting impression on those who watch it. It's a gentle reminder that life, in all its chaos and tranquility, is a journey of constantly dealing with the hand we're dealt.