Pandora (Noelle Lake) is in a coma, and she has been for some time. Her family sits, waiting for her to awake or communicate in any way–and eventually she does. After being placed in an experimental program, Pandora is given the opportunity to communicate, using an implanted chip, via the internet. However, opening Pandora’s Box can cause a lot of trouble–more trouble than her family could have ever expected.
Finding something original in this world is difficult, but Pandora’s Box feels original, new, fresh (or whichever other word you’d like to use), and that in itself is enough to pique my interest. There are certainly bits and pieces of the story present in Pandora’s Box that feel familiar, but as a whole the film feels as if it’s ventured down a freshly paved road. The ability of anyone to be able to create original content now can be troublesome, so kudos to the crew for being able to create this.
What’s interesting about the narrative is the fact that the scenarios depicted in the film (with the exception of Pandora communicating through an implant and the internet) seem extreme but plausible. Writer-Director Irmak Tasindi pushes the boundaries of what viewers might accept as real, and the conversations that ensue as a result of Pandora’s contact are wild, but emotionally relevant nonetheless. Pandora’s Box, and the fact that it feels far-fetched but still accessible and within reach makes it all very appealing. It plays with the fabric of reality, but it never pulls the threads so far as to unravel what we know, and that tight-rope walk is difficult, but wonderfully executed.
There is a clear juxtaposition between the world in which Pandora “exists” and the real world. As the film plays out, the cinematic prowess of this team creates something genuine in terms of this newly created world. While the world (so to speak) is simply Pandora’s mind, it feels, in many ways, like a prison–and this is representative of how numerous individuals feel each and every day. Through the juxtaposition present in Pandora’s Box, the world is able to see a reflection of themselves and their lives. Much of this is achieved by the appealing visuals–including the darkness that often surrounds the film’s titular character. While that image is harrowing, it’s also beautiful, inviting, and eye opening. Pandora’s Box, while a riveting narrative of love and loss, works wonders for the human mind, and it’s a testament to what the mind is capable of.
In many ways Pandora’s Box is a chilling tale of the human psyche, but it’s also a heartfelt narrative about love and what it can do to someone. The narrative is wonderfully written, the acting is good, and Tasindi does a spectacular job of bringing her vision to life. Everything comes together seamlessly, and the film is incredibly entertaining as a result.
Written & Directed by Irmak Tasindi.
Starring Dan Berkey, William Scott Brown, Donna Cherry, Noelle Lake, & Pascal Yen-Pfister.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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