Maya Dardel

Maya Dardel is an ambiguously intriguing drama film, directed by Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak, released in 2017. This engaging film exudes a heavy sense of intellectualism, unique plot intrigue, and emotional intensity. Its essential premise involves a worldwide contest run by a rich and famous poet, Maya Dardel, who puts an unprecedented wager - her huge fortune against the prowess of literate young men. The film is characterized by an exploration of literature, philosophy, and sexuality, infused with psychological mystery and existential struggles, providing viewers with a matured cinematic experience.

The story begins with the aging poet, Maya Dardel, played perfectly by Lena Olin, declaring on National Public Radio that she intends to end her life, not out of despair, but out of a perceived rationality. Before she goes ahead with her decision, she announces an unusual proposal. She decides to host several male writers at her beautiful, isolated home nestled amidst the stunning forested landscapes of Santa Cruz Mountains. The focal point of her proposal is to find a rightful intellectual heir among these talented individuals who can inherit her legacy, her property, and most importantly, take care of her literary affairs post-mortem.

Lena Olin delivers a striking performance and convincingly portrays the complexity, flamboyance, and self-perceived terminal dignity of Maya Dardel. Her character, Maya, is a formidable personality who never hesitates to take on the world, showcasing her intelligence, wit, and frustration laced with despondency.

The supporting cast supports the narrative with their notable performances. The young poet contenders, played by Alexander Koch and Nathan Keyes, add depth to the plot as they compete to prove their literary prowess, while jostling with their own insecurities, ambitions, and complexes. Their interactions with Maya weave a canvas of intellectual debate, philosophical reflections, physical intimacy, and emotional confrontation, making the narrative more dynamic.

The movie refrains from turning into a standard narrative drama, instead, it engages in deep conversation, while exploring power dynamics, and intellectual and emotional clashes. The script's poetic and philosophical engagement makes it more than a mere cinematic spectacle. The film delves into thought-provoking themes, such as mortality, intellect, desire, and vanity, presenting them from the unique perspective of its aging protagonist. It explores the relationship between art and artist, the power of literature, and the relevance of intellectual inheritance.

Directors Cotler and Zyzak have painted a detailed portrait of an enigmatic character, transforming her life’s twilight into a quest for a continued legacy. This is perfectly complemented by the cinematography of the film which pleasantly glimmers with the natural beauty of Santa Cruz Mountains. The film’s visual aesthetics successfully highlight the isolation and solitude of Maya's world.

Furthermore, the original score composed by Zak Engel adds a layer of sentimentality to the film’s underlying themes. The soundscape punctuates the intensity of the narrative, effectively supporting the viewer’s engagement with the story on a deeper level.

Even though the pace of the film might seem unhurried, the complexity of the storyline and intricacy of the characters compensate for the movie's otherwise leisurely progression. This rhythm allows viewers to savor each frame, comprehend in-depth dialogue, and appreciate the portraits of human complexities.

In sum, Maya Dardel is a film that does not fit into any standard mould, it stays away from commercially successful tropes, and instead offers an introspective and intellectually stimulating experience. It demands patience and an active viewer engagement to decode its complex narrative and characters. Hence, it might not be everyone's cup of tea.

Taken as a whole, Maya Dardel is a beautifully filmed intellectual drama that offers strong acting, layered characters, and a story that unfolds through introspective and intellectual exchanges. It serves as a study of an aging, erudite woman looking for her intellectual successor in a world that might see her as obsolete. The film's ability to explore human complexities, philosophical thoughts, along with the struggles of an aging artist, ensures that it offers something truly distinctive to its audience.