Its been nearly a week since I first watched this Jack James, written and directed film, and even though its been many days, im still not sure how I feel about it. Whilst on the surface, Malady is a film about love, and bonding and a relationship. Once youve seen the film, it adds a whole new dimension to that description, which has stayed in my mind since the end credits rolled down my viewing screen.To fulfill the last wish of her deceased mother, Holly (played by Roxy Bugler) seeks out to find love and companionship and encounters it in Matthew (played by Kemal Yildirim) and soon relationship becomes all-encompassing and all consuming.. When Holly answers Matthews phone and hears that Matthews Mother is gravely ill, the new couple provide home care in her final days,
'Malady' is such a haunting film, and whilst im still trying to work out what it is that haunts me. I do lean toward the excellent and subtle performances of the two leads and Roxy Bugler is wonderful as Holly, who on one hand you want to take care of, and give her the companionship she craves but who also on the flip side gives of this darker side which you might not have seen, but you know might be lurking in there somewhere, as well as Kemal Yildirim's performance as Matthew who in a lot of scenes, needs no dialogue but commands the scenes with just a look, or body language. Together Kemal and Roxy rule the screen with the story with talent and to describe the film as 'Raw' would be an understatement. Jack James in his feature film directing debut does a fantastic job and with the writing talent he showed with his previous film 'Rose' and the writing of 'Malady' he is definitely a film maker to keep an eye on.
I have no trouble at all recommending 'Malady to film fans, however this aint no popcorn, feet up on the table, a few drinks and turn up the cinema surround type of film. 'Malady' is a dark character drama that shows of the talent of all involved and well worth checking out if you love great film. It just might take you a little while to process your feelings on the film after youve watched it.'
