Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion In Four Parts takes some time to warm up — the seemingly wooden dialogue and the long, wordless opening scene all feel a bit directionless. But the film gradually adds up to an engaging look into romantic incompatibility and conflict in relationships. It’s brisk, sprinkled with a generous measure of sharp humour, leaving audiences with a definite sting.
Director Shaun Seneviratne continues his decade-long partnership with the lead actors in this film, which in previous iterations have explored the coming together of the titular leads. This film, set during a vacation in Sri Lanka where Suzanne is working, explores their brewing conflict about balancing their priorities in life, how much they mean to each other, and ultimately, whether their beliefs are compatible enough to even be romantically involved.
The dynamic between the lead actors contains a lived-in quality; the way their actions and reactions arise from a strong sense of personality gives a compelling edge to their interactions — the fun-loving Ben (Sathya Sridharan), and the purpose-laden Suzanne (Anastasia Olowin). From forgetting important details about each other, to realizing that important decisions about the self have been made and not shared with the other, their underlying issues are drawn out with clarity and go back to their innate personalities and beliefs.
Aspects of relationship dynamics that are often left unseen in movies, in favour of more dramatic arguments, are explored with wit in this film. Suzanne’s inner journey comes alive in an authentic “show, don’t tell.” The way she gradually warms up to Ben again amidst their banter, and the deep care that she feels for him outside of external visible reservations; this is a standout part of the film. It’s also interesting that the nature of Suzanne’s work and its urgency is properly explained and even integrated into the narrative, giving us a clear picture of her mindset. Similarly, the issue of sexual compatibility is a running thread explored in a hilarious yet realistic manner.
Seneviratne holds a strong vocabulary for comedy and it crops up in well-defined ways at key points in the narrative, seemingly embodying the playful spirit of Ben. In his own sprightly manner, he succeeds in portraying both the good and the bad of the relationship between the titular leads in a manner that feels deceptively simplistic, but communicates much that is often ignored in mainstream romances.
The 28th edition of the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival runs in-person and online November 13-24. For tickets, scheduling, and other details about this year’s programming, visit the festival’s website.
