-Written by Kyle Bain.
2024 INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL OF LOS ANGELES REVIEW!
“...I like to make men uncomfortable…”
-Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
While the quote may be a tad out of context–it captures the nature of This is TMI beautifully. This is TMI, directed by Subarna Dash and Vidushi Gupta is a short, predominantly animated film that presents to the world the struggles of breasts. A handful of women discuss their plights, their struggles with being women, and the times that they have noticed how difficult being a woman is, simply as a result of the way they look.
A combination of heavily detailed and interestingly simplistic animation takes the stage and presents to the world boobs. Boobs, boobs, and more boobs–even a vagina or two are present to viewers as we hear a discussion taking place in the background. While the conversation that ensues and continues throughout the course of This is TMI is really geared toward women, because I think only women will be able to fully understand what is being said, I actually believe that This is TMI is made for men (and the others that have ostracized or spoken down to these women). It’s made clear, time and time again, that these women have experienced trauma, legitimate (or perceived) struggles as a result of their figures–and this film aims to call them out.
I won’t lie, I actually experienced a bit of discomfort watching this film. The visuals are somewhat frightening, and they provide something of an invasive look into the lives of women. Whether it’s 2D graphics, claymation, or something else entirely, This is TMI continues to present the world with discomfort. Do I find this appealing? I’m leaning toward “no.” However, the fact of the matter is that Dash and Gupta would have most certainly aimed toward developing a film that works in this regard. So, with that said, they are successful in their venture.
What I do very much appreciate about the film is the slew of women that converse throughout its entirety. Each woman has a unique, but equally powerful voice that manages to cut through the discomfort (even if just to a small degree). With each woman’s voice being so unique to themselves, it becomes increasingly easier to tell them apart, to understand who is telling a particular story, and which instances connect with which others. This is TMI presents viewers with stories that could be considered equally harrowing in comparison to its visuals, but the powerful, somewhat serene voices of everyone involved also delivers something calming and enjoyable.
On one hand Dash and Gupta create something via the visuals and the storytelling that is meant to make viewers uncomfortable, and it works. On the other hand, the women that help to propel the multitude of stories forward develop a balance. This is TMI is, well…too much information (as you might imagine from the title)–but, again, a balance is achieved that makes the film worth watching; not just for the men that have insulted these women, and not just for the women that need to learn to accept themselves for who they are, but for everyone.
Directed by Subarna Dash & Vidushi Gupta.
Starring Ms. Blue Whale, Priyadarshini, Ritu, Monjima, Vidushi, & Subarna.
6.5/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
Comments