Emerging From the Darkness: The Subtle Power of "What Remains"

Director Yesim Ustaoglu's newest film, "What Remains" (Artakalan), is a compelling exploration of everyday life poetry colliding with the poetry crafted on a page or in one's mind. The story follows a bohemian couple from Istanbul struggling personally and creatively. Although the narrative might feel slow-paced at first, it masterfully develops into an authentic depiction of artists battling their way through darkness.

The deceptively simple narrative meticulously spotlights a couple, Elif and Mehmet, grappling with an early midlife crisis. Elif, a cherished poet, is creatively stuck, while Mehmet copes with the loss of his day job as a music teacher. As their situation worsens, they find no other option but to part ways, despite their mutual affection.

The narrative takes an interesting turn when Elif embarks on a journey to unknown parts, and Mehmet continues with his mundane routine until receiving news of his father's ailing health. This spells a shift from stagnation to rejuvenation as both characters embark on journeys back to their roots.

Throughout their independent journeys, both Elif and Mehmet find a process of self-healing and reconnection. Elif finds solace in nature's calm and in revisiting her family's ancestral home while Mehmet confronts his father about a past family tragedy. With minimal dialogue and pronounced interior conflict, the central characters subtly undergo transformation by stepping out of their comfort zone.

Ustaoglu's fresh perspective in "What Remains" not only serves as a metaphor for the human condition but also paints a beautiful contrast between the tranquility of natural landscapes and the chaos of city life. This remarkable juxtaposition speaks volumes about the struggles of artists grappling with life's harsh realities.

Cinematographer Kiril Prodanov punctuates the narrative with expansive scenes that beautifully capture Elif's tranquil retreat to the mountains and snowy landscapes and contrast it with Mehmet's decaying urban life, in caring for his ailing father. What the characters communicate is less about their dialogue and more about the spaces they inhabit and their surroundings, making 'What Remains' an evocative cinematic tableau.