Puzzle

Puzzle is an enthralling drama that showcases the reality and inner transformation of a suburban wife and mother who is caught in the monotony of daily life. It is a testament to the power of art and the importance of self-discovery, drastically spotlit against the backdrop of a traditional and largely subdued suburban landscape.

Marc Turtletaub, most known for his production work in films like Little Miss Sunshine, steps into the director’s chair to bring the story to life. The screenplay, written by Oren Moverman and Polly Mann, is based on the Argentine film Rompecabezas, directed by Natalia Smirnoff. This American remake manages to fuse both realms of the ordinary mother and the passionate puzzler in a delicate yet compelling narrative.

At the heart of the story is Agnes, played with depth and nuance by the supremely talented Kelly Macdonald. Agnes is presented to us as a woman rooted deeply in a routine existence. Her days are filled with household chores, taking care of her husband Louie, her college-aged son Ziggy, and her high schooler Gabe, while paying little to no heed to her own desires and aspirations. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a hidden talent for solving jigsaw puzzles. An activity most may find mundane opens up a new world for her, giving her a newfound sense of identity and purpose she had not previously experienced.

Macdonald presents the evolution of Agnes brilliantly, moving from an introverted and submissive housewife to an empowered woman who is ready to challenge the norms and forges her own path. It is inspiring to witness her transformation throughout the film.

But Puzzle does not just focus on Agnes’ journey to self-fulfillment. We’re introduced to another significant character, Robert, a jigsaw puzzle champion portrayed by the charismatic Irrfan Khan. Robert, who is searching for a new puzzle partner, comes across Agnes through an ad she responds to. Their meeting sparks an unconventional yet intriguing relationship, which takes the story into a beautiful exploration of companionship, ambition, and self-realization.

The tender and brilliantly shot film is elevated by its well-orchestrated supporting cast. David Denman plays Louie, Agnes’ auto-mechanic husband, skilfully capturing a man stuck in his ways and struggling to understand his wife’s newfound interest. Bubba Weiler and Austin Abrams, as Ziggy and Gabe, add to the suburban feel of the movie, portraying the frequently overlooked but significant perspectives of the younger generation in the family dynamics.

Through the language of puzzles, Turtletaub has made a contemplative movie that encourages its viewers to challenge conventions and to take on a journey to define their identities. It beautifully illustrates how mental stimulation and motivation can come from unexpected places and completely change the trajectory of an individual's life. The beauty of Puzzle lies in its simplicity and the depth of its characters, who demonstrate an engaging, emotional journey that resonates with the audience long after the film ends.

The movie is not just about a woman finding her passion in jigsaw puzzles – it's a metaphor for her finding the pieces of herself she didn't even know were missing. It’s about her solving the puzzle of her existence and finding the courage to make a change – for herself.

Puzzle is not about dramatic scenes or shocking plot twists. Instead, it focuses on personal growth, relationships, and the importance of understanding oneself. It's a charming, soulful story that strikes a balance between joy and sorrow, self-discovery and maintaining familial relationships, personal desire and communal expectations, culminating in a heartwarming viewing experience that is genuinely unforgettable.

Puzzle, where every piece beautifully joins with another, is bound to leave its viewers not only attached to the characters on screen but also instigate them to introspect into their lives and possibly find or rekindle their passion.