Pause

Pause is a powerfully gripping drama movie that was released in 2018. This film showcases an impressive blend of raw emotion, relatable experiences, and moments of stark silence, which serves as a narrative in itself. Developed by the directorial brilliance of Tonia Mishiali, Pause offers a keen insight into the life of an ordinary woman living under extraordinary circumstances. In this movie, Stella Fyrogeni, Andreas Vasileiou, and Popi Avraam deliver an exceptional performance that beautifully encapsulates the narrative's essence.

The protagonist of the film, Elpida (played by Stella Fyrogeni), is a middle-aged woman stuck in a dull and oppressive marriage. The film crafts an insightful narrative around her life as she begins to question her predefined roles and societal expectations. Fyrogeni delivers a stellar performance, perfectly depicting the character's emotional turmoil.

The movie explores a subject relatively less traveled in usual cinema - menopause, but not in biological terms. Instead, it traverses along the emotional, psychological turmoil a woman experiences during this phase. Fyrogeni's character, Elpida, grapples with her aging body's changes and an indifferent husband (played by Andreas Vasileiou) who doesn't seem to understand or empathize with her situation.

As Elpida navigates her monotonous daily routine, she starts dreaming - fantasies that oscillate between liberation, revenge, and sheer madness. Strange scenarios play out in her mind as the boundary between reality and her rampant imagination blurs, making viewers question what's real and what's not.

The beauty of the film lies in its representation of an everyday woman's struggle and the central role that lack in communication plays in building her dream-like state. Elpida's quiet sufferance, her husband's brute and uncommunicative nature, builds an intense atmosphere throughout the movie, which plays an indispensable role in moving the plot forward.

While the principal cast includes Fyrogeni and Vasileiou, Popi Avraam also makes a notable appearance, adding another layer to the storyline. The performances are well-rounded, and everyone plays their part well, contributing to the narrative's power and authenticity.

The cinematography further intensifies the drama, making brilliant use of space and lighting to depict both the character's stifled environment and the expansive world within her mind. The beauty of Pause is in the way it effortlessly marries moments of silence with intense scenes to provoke thought and emotions, providing viewers with a deeply visceral cinematic experience.

Pause features some recurring motifs and visual sketches which elucidate the heroine's frustration and desperation. It's a deeply symbolic film, with objects continually acquiring a new meaning in correspondence with the protagonist's mental state. The film uses symbolization to take viewers deeper into the character's inner world, providing an exploration into a psyche that moves between torment and liberation.

One unique aspect of the movie Pause is how it uses sound or the lack thereof. There are many moments of complete silence, aptly interrupted by the mechanical and mundane sounds of everyday household chores. The contrast drawn between the noisy domestic tasks and the profound silence of her emotional world amplifies the effect, providing an insightful perspective into Elpida's life.

While the film is set predominantly within the confines of Elpida's home, it manages to create an expansive narrative about her internal life. It reveals stark truths about societal norms and expectations, oppressive relationships, and the struggle for self-identity.

Pause is a movie that bravely plunges deep into the waters of a theme usually not depicted in mainstream cinema. It explores the underrepresented narrative of a middle-aged woman's journey in coming to terms with her unfulfilled desires, her transforming body and the complicated marital dynamics, while not shying away from showcasing raw emotions and silent sufferings.

This film invites you to pause and delve into a narrative that's both intimate and universal. It explores the complexities of a human mind in a way that's not only relatable but also deeply engaging. As you witness Elpida's dreams, hopes, and frustrations unfold on screen, you are bound to undergo a string of emotions – from empathy to discomfort to introspection. The film is a testament to Tonia Mishiali's ability to create an experience that lingers even after the credits roll, making it a must-watch for every cinema enthusiast.