“Salishan” is a Filipino drama short film that captures the essence of a relationship that has been straining by the passage of time, the silence, and the surprise introduction of a different person. With a directorial and writing time of Iar Arondaing, the film is able to achieve the emotional semblance and intricate insight in a span of 48 minutes.
It is set in a ‘nondescript’ house where its focus is on the ‘dry’ premise, the film indubitably communicates a powerful feeling of love, loyalty, and the remedial nature of so-called healing.
Synopsis.
“Dan and Anna” are the in-focus characters of the film “Salishan,” a married couple that seems to have grown apart without a fuss. It is no secret that the couple used to have a very ‘warm and’ fulfilling relationship, but over time, they have settled to a dull routine full of silence. Children are an undeniable wish from the couple, but, for reasons unobscured, they are able to achieve emotional intimacy. It is very clear that love is absent, and yet, the couple remains together. It is a tragedy without love, as the couple desperately needs to feel “attached” and “connected” at the same time.
Everything changes the day they receive Sophie, a young woman carrying more than a bag. Sophie brings along an array of unanticipated questions, memories, and nostalgia. Most importantly a deep rooted connection neither Dan nor Anna is aware of. Sophie is searching for a father, a man named Gab whom she claims is residing there.
With the introduction of the concerning claims, a subtle apprehension comes into the modest family. Dan hasn’t heard the name. Sophie, however, stays with the couple for some time and a few things start to change. Changes start to occur as the interactions Sophie has emotionally move the couple and force uncomfortable dialogue.
Often, the discord a change brings is most welcomed. Sophie’s arrival is what I prefer to call a soft awakening. Sophie’s presence contributed to the interactions of all three and the understanding is mutual. A gradual metamorphosis is nurtured from the gentle intimacy of shared moments, couple of conversations, relaxing strolls, and days spent together. Most importantly Sophie is a catalyst for the gentle change we witness in Dan and Anna.
A new perspective emerges at the end of the film. Dan and Anna do not only restore the lost emotional connection but are also able to envision a new future together. It was not only them, all the characters in the film have gone through an enormous emotional change which is indeed a very welcomed change.
Key Characters and Their Distinct Performances
Anna is played by Zsara Laxamana. She is casted as a grounded and caring woman. Emotional strength paired with tender vulnerability and years worth of unspoke discontent carried is illustrated through the woman’s subtle emotions. The display of Anna’s partner in the film is along the lines of rediscovery with the woman as the film illuminates the lost aspects of her personality.
Dan is portrayed by Chester Grecia. He is casted as a portrayal of the emotion lacking in most of the long term relationships. This character is withdrawn and lost in thought. The story depicts a transformation in the character where he learns to share meaning in his words.
Sophie is played by Amabella De Leon. She is the missing piece that helps the couple to resurface emotions that have been buried for. She is gentle and perceptive and works towards the truth appealing to the couple rather than to the story first. She helps retrospection and is the guiding hand to the couple towards something they never imagined to look for.
Gab is a character that serves a mystery to the characters that is constantly described throughout the film. Even though he sometimes subtle or mentioned in passing his long lasting influence is felt by the characters.
Themes and Emotional Depth
Silasihan used rational and tempered calmness when dealing with its themes. It draws its strength not from great clashes and spectacular turns but from the quiet, everyday moments that shape real connections.
- Rediscovery in Routine
The film shows how within the same space two people can feel estranged. But also, how through small, random acts of care and honesty, people can emerge from that estrangement.
- Truth and Healing
The film shows how the arrival of a third person, rather than taking sides, helps the couple talk about a lot of things that have been buried for a long time. It demonstrates how sometimes, the act of bringing things to light can, in fact, bring about healing.
- The Power of Presence
Although a stranger initially, Sophie manages to become a quiet agent of change. Her presence and calmness fosters growth and reflection within the people surrounding her.
- Emotional Courage
In the film, the characters a not necessarily brave, at least not in a physical context. They venture to talk, accept their wrongdoings, and dare to wish again. This form of emotional bravery, is, in fact, the driving force of the story.
Cinematography and Direction
Visually, the film is austere yet beautiful. The soft home setting predominantly used captures the themes of intimacy and muted tension. The lighting is soft, naturally inducing and personal, then softly accompanying the narrative.
Masterfully, Director Iar Arondaing incorporates quiet moments and stillness. He breathes with the scenes, allowing the characters to exist, to simply be. Nothing is frantic. Everything is intentional.
Reception and Impact
In early 2024, Salisihan was released and was noticed for its serene, emotionally packed narrative. Although this is a short film, it was complimented for its more defined outlook on relationships as well as its disconnection and reparation.
Apart from most, critics appreciated the thin on attention the film placed on drama and the focus on the realistic connections instead. The performances, sparked by Zsara Laxamana who plays Anna, were noted for their rawness, which is the cornerstone of the film.
A lot of the film was centered on adult themes, however, the viewers argued it was not overbearing. It presented relationships as close to reality as possible, unrefined and dynamic, with an underlying tension of resolution.
Salisihan softlow depicts the
Salisihan loving story softens the spirit and the soul. This is done through the delicate and powerful art of story telling. The story demonstrates the power of chance encounters and the changes. It illustrates the difficult emotions of relationship: silence, uncertainty, and optimism while remaining a gentle story of the healing of broken bonds.
Salisihan is a lesson about the bonds of affection. It is primarily an invitation to remember the people who occupy the center of our daily lives. It is a reminder about the wrap around relationship with the power of listening to the whispers of the heart.
Salisihan is a lot like silence. It speaks of love very softly, like a gentle drama. It is very powerful drama, not in emotions, but in thoughts. The effects of the brilliant narration go far and beyond. It is something one does not forget, like the gentle lingering after the sound of the last note one plays on an instrument. One is left searching within to the very core of their being and examining the bonds that matter above all.
Watch free movies on Fmovies