"Fragments" Explores the Ramifications of Lies on a Relationship
Directed by Oli Greck | Reviewed by Riya Saha
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]nfidelity is murky territory and Oli Greck's film "Fragments" is all about its emotional entanglement. The story explores love, lies, and pain. Perhaps you can relate it with yourself.
"Fragments" begins with a phone call —
Then, we get to learn about the happy relationship between Toby and his girlfriend. Certainly, it's a satisfying relationship. That is, until an unexpected pregnancy.
Greck's film describes a life broken by murky circumstances. The story is relatable, and as a viewer, it will surely push you to think.
Lies and Fragments of Truth
What happened in this happy relationship that ended with Toby's girlfriend cheating on him? Did she really cheat? Or did something happen against her will?
Greck's protagonist Toby is a relatable character for some. He is someone who's usually the last one to move on after a breakup. Falling in love with his beloved was easy. Consequently, starting a family with her was beautiful.
Life seemed to be right on the track, and Toby was happy.
If we're lucky, we all come across this phase in our life, where everything is just perfect —
We get love; we have romance and great sex.
But accepting each other's differences and making them part of our life is more complicated. Truthfully, his girlfriend was afraid he'd leave if she was honest. But she lied and when she spoke up it was too late.
Falling in love is easy, but it’s hard to get back up after we fall. The fall is the theme of "Fragments."
Confronting and accepting the dark truth in fragments
Like many women do, Toby's girlfriend decided to ‘KEEP QUITE!’ Keeping quiet is the same as a lie to the person who loves you. And lying is arguably the biggest crime in a relationship.
But what can you do when you are struggling inside?
Violence against women by anyone is always wrong, whether the abuser is your spouse, boyfriend, boyfriend’s best friend, or a family member. You are not at fault. You did not cause the abuse to occur, and you are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else.
Such is the case of Toby's girlfriend; if she spoke with him about the fateful incident with his best friend, Toby could have protected her. He could have done what was required.
But she lied. And lying, in a relationship surely has a bad ending!
Words on the Director's Creativity
With skillful actors, great cinematography, and beautifully executed sound effects, I believe this is one of the finest independent movies I've ever reviewed.
Behind a successful film, there is the hand of the director.
Oli Greck created a film that anyone will find relatable. No matter where you're from or what paths you've taken, "Fragments" will channel into your sub-conscience and mean something to you. It's a film that tackles a range of themes and emotions. But most of all, it's a film that encourages you to think.
Riya Saha
Riya Saha is a Kolkata based writer, editor, journalist, and cinephile. She completed her masters with Journalism and Mass Communication from Calcutta University and currently works as a freelance journalist. Having a great interest in world cinema made Riya join Human Lab Corporation. She is passionate about setting goals and achieving them. Riya enjoys reading, writing, traveling, socializing, and meeting people, and is also very fond of watching International movies.
