Going into a viewing of the 2006 Australian indie film “2:37,” I had suspicions that, based on the way the story was told, I would either hate it, or it would become one of my all time favorites.
Written, produced, and directed by filmmaker Murali K. Thalluri, “2:37” features an ensemble cast of young talent you’ve probably never hear of, and contains acting that can rival that of any famed Hollywood star.
The dark drama takes place in a typical high school, and opens at 2:37 p.m. with the discovery of the body of an unknown student that has committed suicide. The story then travels back to the start of the day, and follows the paths of six students, as each goes about their respective lives. The students each carry their own emotional burdens, courtesy of various sources, and as high school goes, the six students also come in contact with each other throughout the day.
Laid out in a flashback type style that I love, “2:37” jumps from the perspective of each of the six primary characters, as they plod through a typical day, crossing each other’s paths and unveiling their own personal stories. As tension mounts with each character, the viewer is left contemplating which one will ultimately end their own life at the end of the school day.
With a simple background and a complex story, the ensemble cast of “2:37” does a majestic job of carrying the film. Each with a well developed character to play out, the acting is so intense you’ll truly feel sympathy for them as their internal demons are displayed bit by bit as the film progresses.
I was drawn to the movie in a strange way. After a review of “Take Me Home Tonight” (which is the polar opposite in terms of plot) I was looking up the filmography of the beautiful actress Teresa Palmer, and discovered “2:37” was her first role. Not just a pretty face, Palmer carries her story arc well as the troubled Melody, a student dealing with depression, and one of the first characters to be displayed.
Another great performance comes from Charles Baird, who plays the physically dysfunctional Steven. Steven carries the burden of a constant limp and two urethras which cause him to wet himself and as such, be the victim of constant ridicule from his classmates.
Murali K. Thalluri does a masterful job in the creation and overall presentation of his debut film – done when he was just twenty-two years old. He is currently in production of his second film titled “ONE” which should be released soon and looks to be just as gripping.
“2:37” never holds back the punches. Several scenes contain graphic images that may be unsettling to some, but none fall out of the context of the film. At ninety minutes you’ll watch on the edge of your seat as the school day progresses and draws about the identification of the mystery suicide victim. The story will really make you think about life, and how we deal with and treat others. Said by one character while reflecting on the suicide, “sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own problems that we don’t notice others.”
A truly powerful film, “2:37” is one you’ll thoroughly enjoy watching and not soon forget.
