Three of Us: A Poignant Voyage through Dementia, Loss and Forgiveness
Having watched this recently released film on Netflix, I could not stop myself from writing a movie review so that more people could experience this beautiful work. “The Three of Us” is a heart-rending Hindi drama film directed by Avinash Arun. Within 105 minutes, the film brilliantly conveys the emotional complexities of dementia, how it affects relationships, and confronting the past.
Film Specifications:
Director – Avinash Arun
Main Cast – Shefali Shah , Jaideep Ahlawat, Swananad Kirkire
Writers -Avinash Arun, Arpita Chatterjee, Omkar Achyut BarveLanguage – Hindi
Genre – Drama, Emotional, Sentimental
The Cast of “Three of Us “
- Shefali Shah delivers a phenomenal performance as Shailaja, a woman grappling with early-onset dementia. Her nuanced portrayal of confusion, vulnerability, and resilience is one of the film’s strongest elements.She astutely portrays the flitting expression of disappearing from the realm of consciousness and then coming back to awareness in a matter of seconds.
- Swanand Kirkire shines as Dipankar, Shailaja’s loving husband struggles to come to terms with her illness and his own evolving role in their relationship, more so when he is confronted with her past.
- Jaideep Ahlawat brings quiet intensity to the role of Pradip Kamat, Shailaja’s childhood sweetheart and a symbol of the innocent and lively past she is slowly losing.His restrained exasperation and compassion is moving.
Plot of the movie – Three of Us
Shailaja’s increasingly blurred memories and fading grasp on reality prompts her to embark on a trip with Dipankar to her childhood town, Vengurla in Konkan. As she navigates the familiar yet seemingly foreign streets, old sweet and bitter memories resurface, forcing her to confront a long-held secret and mend bridges with Pradip. The film unfolds as a delicate interplay between past and present, weaving in flashbacks that illuminate Shailaja’s youthful romance and the tragic event that forever altered her life.
Music and Soundscape
Alokananda Dasgupta’s haunting score perfectly complements the film’s melancholic tone. The music seamlessly blends into the narrative, emphasizing emotional crescendos and quiet moments of introspection. The gentle sway of Konkani folk tunes and the atmospheric sounds of the beach add another layer of depth and texture making it an immersive experience.
Highlights of this film
- The unrushed pace allows the characters and their emotions to breathe, resulting in a deeply affecting experience.
- The film tackles the often-ignored subject of dementia with sensitivity and realism, it sparkles with a strong quiet fortitude avoiding melodramatic clichés.
- The complex dynamics between the three characters – Shailaja, Dipankar, and Pradip – are both emotionally charged and delicately nuanced.
- The stunning visuals of Vengurla’s coastline serve as a poignant backdrop to the film’s exploration of memory and loss.
- There are three people in love here but no crowding.Everyone accepts their role with surprising grace.
Subject and Theme
“The Three of Us” delves into the profound themes of graduating memory loss, forgiveness, and the enduring power of love. It explores the fragility of human connection and the challenges of facing mortality, urging viewers to cherish the present while acknowledging the ghosts of the past. When Shailaja says ” I will forget”, with a finality, Pradip gives her an adoring and assuring smile and says ” I will remember (you)” which calms her and becomes a turning point in the narrative.
My take on Three of Us
“The Three of Us” is a beautifully crafted film that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer. With its stellar performances, evocative music, and poignant exploration of human mortality and relationships, it is a must-watch for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and deeply moving cinematic experience. It is not just a movie about dementia; it is a timeless story about love, loss, and finding acceptance in the face of the unknown.
Even though ” Three of us ” deals with a negative theme , it is a powerful and positive film and should be watched by anyone who appreciates good cinema and nuanced acting.
This seems like deja vu. I just read another post related to Three of Us. I haven’t seen the movie, but dementia is also well portrayed in a web series, What The Folks by Dice Media. My father passed away due to dementia, so I know it is a very exhausting time for the family.
This is deja vu. I haven’t seen the movie, but heard all good reviews. Dementia is also well portrayed in a web series What The Folks by Dice Media. My father suffered from dementia, so I know how exhausting this is for the family.
Love your movie review. It seems interesting. I haven’t seen the movie yet
Now, after reading so many good reviews about The Three of Us , I am going to watch this movie. Shefali , Sadanand, and Jaideep are excellent actors, for sure, and the plot is so really beautiful that you should give it a try and watch the movie. Thank you
Having recently watched “The Three of Us” myself, I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments about this film. It’s truly a masterpiece in its portrayal of dementia and its impact on relationships. The Three of Us” is a cinematic gem that leaves a lasting impression. It’s a reminder of the power of storytelling to touch our hearts and provoke reflection on the human experience.
I also saw the movie recently after seeing some great reviews. A very sensitively made movie that delves deep into emotions. I also loved the poems that Pradeep writes. Only thing, I found the pace a bit slow. And also perhaps after the rave reviews, maybe I was expecting some more, hence was left with a feeling of want after finishing the movie. But otherwise great performances and well made movie.
The movie is brilliant and the actors are phenomenal portraying their part and charachter to perfection. Shefali as a dementia patient and her camaradrie and bond with her childhood friend is so beautifully depicted. Such movies make us proud of our cinema.
I saw this movie and I just loved it. The way it go with silence, beauty of Vengurla, the emotional rollercoaster of three people Shailja, Deepankar and Pradeep and the more over every one is accepting the feelings. It is awesome and one of the best movie.
I absolutely loved this movie too. I also liked how its interspersed with light humour in the manner of banter between the two couples. It makes the whole thing so much more authentic. The cinematography is top-notch too. Loved how you’ve covered how each actor/character added to the plot.
What a fitting review Preeti. I felt I was reading my own feelings. I loved the movie…
I found it very beautiful n it evokes strong emotions but more than anything I liked the way it is made. If I were to describe it in one word, it would be ‘Delicate’.. everything about it… subject, story, acting, direction, cinematography.
I’m intrigued by the film’s ability to tackle such heavy subjects with sensitivity and realism, while also delivering a timeless story about human connection and acceptance. This film sounds like an emotional rollercoaster ride that’s definitely worth the watch!
This movie seems to have really grabbed eyeballs. I have been reading rave reviews about it. Shefali Shah no wonder is an ace actor. Dementia is such a scary condition. Dealing with such patients/family members would be so challenging. Will definitely watch this movie.
I also watched this movie recently and couldn’t wait to tell everyone to give it a watch. Such a profound and beautiful film. I can easily watch it multiple times. Shaifali portrayed every emotion beautifully. Hats off to the director and writer for capturing emotions so wonderfully. Not everyone can grasp and depict life like this – it’s truly a masterpiece.
I want to get back and write a movie review given its different structure two years ago when I wrote about my favourite movies. But after this, I feel it is so good and great to read.
Haven’t watched the film yet but have heard only good things for it. After reading your review I feel I should watch it as soon as I can
This sounds like a good movie, added to my TBW list. I like this actress, and the premise sounds promising. I would like to see how they have handled memory and dementia, and this movie would be a good opportunity to see the coastline.
I watched the movie and found it to be a superb example of storytelling and a compassionate depiction of the patient and caregiver.
I see so many people around suffering from dementia and how difficult it is for their family. The movie seems like a more sensitive portrayal. I hope to see it soon.
Shefali Shah is one of the few actors who never fail to deliver. She brings magic and relatability to every character she plays. I’ve been meaning to watch this movie and after reading this glaring review I’m definitely going to, soon.
What a lovely review here. The plot seems to be very interesting. I would love to watch this
I so wanted to see this movie and after reading your review I am surely going to indulge. Shefali and jaideep are my favorite actors and they are brilliant. Thanks for your honest and detailed review.
I haven’t watched the movie yet but it’s on my list of must-watch movies. This heartfelt review of “The Three of Us” eloquently portrays its emotional depth and nuanced performances. It’s a compelling reminder to cherish love and confront life’s challenges.
I started watching the film, but felt it was going rather slow. But now your review motivates me to go back to it.
Shefali Shah is a brilliant actress. I loved watching this movie as well!
This review beautifully captures the essence of “The Three of Us.” From its immersive sound design to its unrushed pacing and profound exploration of dementia, this film offers a deeply affecting cinematic experience. The delicate dynamics between the characters and the stunning coastal visuals further enhance its narrative depth. It’s a must-watch for those seeking thought-provoking cinema that delves into themes of love, loss, and acceptance.
I haven’t seen this movie..but your interesting reviews making my mind to watch it soon.
Please do, you will find it immensely satisfying.
‘Three of Us’ is a film that I watched recently. Dementia is a theme often used in movies to make an impact on the viewers about the psychological and emotional aspects that assail them into drama and distress. Yet something made me watch me, and no regret about it. The film portrays dementia through love, forgiving, and revealing to a husband the past secret of his wife. The anxiety in the viewer about facing the potential tension unfolding in the next scene, the film dissipates by the husband’s curious question: were you ever happy with me? (Or something like that) How brilliant!
I love your review even more.In fact i was surprised that we could handle such things (even if it wasn’t actually an affair , more of a childhood crush) with so much maturity and sensitivity in Hindi Cinema.
Thanks for the recommendation – I hadn’t yet gotten around to watching it but hope to soon.