Am Ah (2025) Movie Review
“Am Ah,” directed by Thomas Sebastian, is a suspense drama that explores themes of familial bonds, narratives, and life in remote hamlets13. The film stars Dileesh Pothan as Stephen, a supervisor, Devadarshini as Amminiyamma, and Jaffer Idukki as the local ward member3.
Story and Narrative: The film begins with Stephen arriving in a remote part of Idukki to oversee road construction, but he becomes intrigued by a grandmother and her granddaughter1. The initial intrigue and balanced storytelling give way to a climax that feels too neatly resolved1. The film explores how narratives shape beliefs, questioning how many people spot inconsistencies when the same event is narrated differently1. The setting and unfolding events are reminiscent of “Ela Veezha Poonchira,” though the greenery serves more as a backdrop than an integral part of the story3.
Direction and Screenplay: Thomas Sebastian’s direction starts strong, building intrigue with the scenic beauty of the village3. However, the script, by Kaviprasad Gopinath, stretches a basic idea too far, resulting in a predictable, melodramatic tale5. The film relies heavily on foreshadowing, with background music that is at times overbearing1.
Performances: Dileesh Pothan’s portrayal of Stephen is generally stable but occasionally unsettling1. Devadarshini shines in the first half but falters in the second, while Jaffer Idukki’s character has grating dialogues1. The characters, including Amminiyamma, feel underdeveloped, making it difficult to connect with them3.
Music: Gopi Sundar’s music, particularly the track “Kannetha Doorath,” leaves a strong impression and is a commendable aspect of the film1.
Visuals and Cinematography: The film captures the scenic beauty of Idukki, immersing viewers in the landscape, especially during the journey to Kavantha1. The visuals add a compelling charm to the film, though the greenery doesn’t become a defining element of the story3.
Themes: “Am Ah” delves into themes like the bond between women, obsessive familial affection, and the exploration of life in small, remote hamlets1. It also touches on human-animal conflict and paid surrogacy without bias1.
Critic’s Rating: 2.5/51
Overall: “Am Ah” had the potential to be a compelling suspense drama but ultimately leaves much of its potential unexplored1. The film starts strong but loses momentum in the second half, with a weak conclusion and underdeveloped characters3.
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