Kaleidoscope (2016)

Type –          Short Film

Genre –        Psychological Thriller

Director –     Martin Githinji

Country -      Kenya

If it is suspense you want, it is exactly what you will get in Kaleidoscope (2016).  The plot is riveting, keeping the viewer glued and eager to find out what happens next.  By having most of the events in the film happening in one room, the sense of entrapment experienced by the character is also experienced by the viewer, which adds on to the tension.  This is further enhanced by the desperation of the protagonist, trapped in a seemingly abusive relationship.  Melissa Kiplagat gives a stellar performance, bringing two different personalities to life on the screen with the authenticity of a real-life victim.  The comparison of the physical entrapment of the protagonist to the mental conflict is brought out very well.



I cannot say I was prepared for the twist ending.  However, several cues subtly guide the viewer to the ending, so that the twist is not too much of a surprise that it becomes unbelievable.  I personally would have liked a bit more elaboration/flashback on the events that transpired which the protagonist does not recall.  However, seeing as it is a short film, the story still holds up as is.  Great acting, great story.


Rating – 4/5 stars

Review by Bertha Mũnũku




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