Nona

Nona is a powerful and poignant independent film directed by Michael Polish and produced by his wife, Kate Bosworth. The film takes its audience on an intimate journey, focusing on issues affecting the global society such as human trafficking and immigration. It’s a unique amalgamation of a heartfelt human story moulded into the framework of social matters. The signature naturalistic storytelling style vs dramatic construct of Michael Polish is tangible throughout the movie.

The movie follows the life of a young woman named Nona, portrayed distinctively by Sulem Calderon, who lives in a small town in Honduras. Orphaned at a very young age, Nona is propelled by a dream of an improved life elsewhere. Lonely and daunted by her uninspiring daily life, she finds solace in the promises of a stranger who offers her a way out - a journey to America. Nona sees this as an opportunity to reunite with her mother who lives in the United States, unbeknownst to the tragic fate that awaits her.

Nona's journey begins under the facade of an adventurous road trip, cleverly setting a somber tone beneath the seemingly harmless interactions and beautiful landscapes. Her pleasant journey is abruptly transformed into a dire situation as she crosses the Mexican border into the U.S, becoming a victim of a human trafficking network. As the story unfolds, the movie subtly interrogates the complex layers of victimhood, survival, and the human spirit stuck in the horrific world of human trafficking.

Through Nona's story, the film invites audiences to question systemic issues surrounding immigration, the failures of institutional structures, as well as the theme of hope, longing, and human resilience. Polish’s unique vision and Sulem Calderon's moving performance compels the audience to feel deeply for Nona's fate and shines a spotlight on the repulsive crime that is often ignored or brushed aside by society.

Combining drama with a stark yet compassionate look at human experiences; Nona manages to strike a careful balance between storytelling and advocacy. The screenplay effectively utilizes the narrative space to present a realistic account of what victims of human trafficking go through. Polish’s conscious decision to steer clear of unnecessary drama or any sensationalist approach further cements this movie as a genuine attempt to create awareness about a dire issue.

The visual narrative of the film is also worth mentioning. Each shot, each location contributes to the storytelling and sets the mood for the unfolding events. The cinematography enhances the tension, making the narrative more compelling. The journey Nona embarks on from Honduras to the United States paints a vivid picture of Central America - its beauty and its sorrow, captured brilliantly by the intense shades of cinematographer, Jayson Crothers.

Given the gravity of the topic it handles, Nona is certainly not an easy watch. It presents an uncomfortable reality that is hard to swallow but important to acknowledge. The film takes us through a roller coaster of emotions - hope, despair, fear and, ultimately, an urgent call to action. Despite the dark theme, Nona is a testament to the enduring human spirit.

Kate Bosworth's role as producer and Michael Polish's direction bring out the urgency and importance of the issue in this film. They have successfully used storytelling as a powerful tool to highlight an urgent social problem, which demands global attention and action. The film serves as a reminder that it is crucial to keep such conversations in the mainstream to possibly effect change and justice.

In conclusion, Nona is a film that skillfully uses the medium of cinema to spotlight a social crisis of our times. It humanizes a horrifying global issue, pushing viewers to confront the uncomfortable reality of human trafficking. Staying true to its goal of advocacy, Nona neither abuses its subject matter for commercial gain nor attempts to numb its audience with overly graphic scenes. Instead, it courageously instigates valuable, sometimes difficult, conversations about an important issue that requires global attention – a quality that sets it aside as a remarkable piece of socially conscious cinema. Overall, despite its heartbreaking theme, the film holds on to the potential of human resilience and hope, making it a gripping, inspiring and critical watch.