Why Knot

Why Knot is an outspoken and thought-provoking Canadian documentary directed by Dhruv Dhawan, which delves into the unknown world of non-monogamy and its implications on modern relationships. It’s a documentary that debuted in 2016 revealing the intricate narratives and challenging stereotypes explicitly associated with conventional societal notions of romantic relationships, marriage, and love.

Fueled by Dhawan's own familial distress and personal turmoil from his father's infidelity, the film revolves around the exploration of commitment, marriage, and fidelity. After witnessing several failed marital relationships around him due to the inability of partners to stay faithful, Dhawan raises the question – Why Knot? This subtle play on words compels you to question why we knot ourselves into a lifelong commitment, the definition of infidelity, and the success rates of monogamous relationships.

Striking a balance between personal narrative and scientific exploration, this in-depth analysis compiles interviews and heart-touching narratives from individuals who have chosen to live outside the realm of monogamy. It exposes the audience to a variety of relationship structures, like polyamory, open relationships, and swinging lifestyle, which have been typically bumped off as taboo or unethical by society's moral compass. By shedding light on these unconventional relationships, Dhawan aims to confront the societal norms, challenging monogamy's sanctity and validity in today's world.

Shifting gears from personal to scientific narratives, Dhawan also presents a profound exploration of human evolution and the anthropological reasons for monogamy or the lack thereof in different species. The documentary incorporates interviews with renowned anthropologists, neuroscientists, psychologists, legal experts, and animal behaviorists, unveiling scientific perspectives on the natural tendency and biological inclination of humans towards (non)monogamy.

Moreover, the film also offers a psychological perspective of both monogamy and non-monogamy, addressing how society has been conditioned to correlate infidelity with betrayal, immorality, and deceit, which leads to the self-perpetuating cycle of guilt. In presenting alternative lifestyles, Why Knot also examines the emotional stressors involved in maintaining relationships outside of monogamy, thus providing a balanced view and not glorifying either of the lifestyles.

A noteworthy aspect of this documentary is its authentic storytelling style combined with Dhawan's personal introspections, soliloquies, and interactions with the camera. These refreshingly candid and vulnerable moments bring a humanizing and relatable factor to the film. The director's struggles mirror the internal battles we all face when considering what we've been taught to believe versus what we truly want in our relationships. It's a courageous exploration of one's mental and emotional journey through the convoluted maze of love, loyalty, and human cravings.

Dhawan’s endeavor with this film is not to influence or advocate for non-monogamous relationships but rather to open a conversation about the realities of our desires and the societal constructs we've bound ourselves within. The film encourages viewers to question and challenge established norms and redefine success in relationships in their own terms. In essence, Why Knot has been successful in stimulating a dialogue about the complexities of love and the evolving understanding of relationships that do not adhere to conventional societal norms.

In conclusion, Why Knot is an audacious, heart-rendering, and intellectually stimulating film that dares to push boundaries and prompt discussions on a hushed topic worldwide. This documentary is not just an eye-opener for viewers about alternative lifestyles, but it also provides a more profound sense of resilience, acceptance, and the courage to live life on one's own terms. With its sincere storytelling, spirited real-life characters, and the director's personal journey interwoven carefully, Why Knot is a compelling documentary that stands as a testament to human vulnerability and strength.