Elijah stars Ajaz Alam as taxi driver Hairder and Mithila Gazi as Shoshi/Elijah, his transgender child. (Photo courtesy Image Maker Failms)
A.K.M. ASHRAFUL AMIN | Special Contributor
ashrafulamin1337@gmail.com
When faced with the profound question “What is love?” how would you respond? It’s a question you may be pondering for days, and it may ultimately lead you to answers others may wholeheartedly embrace or vehemently reject, depending on their life experiences.
But beyond individual opinions, universal truths about human connections exist: Love forms unbreakable bonds, enabling individuals to unite and elevate one another, surpassing biological ties and the socially constructed definitions of family.
However, examining why love often carries the weight of expectations and why it can lead to heartache is crucial. Is it love itself that inflicts pain? Or is it the people we cherish most who wound us the deepest?
Director and screenwriter Razid Season explores these intricate questions powerfully in his award-winning short film, Elijah, depicting they everyday mundane yet moving, common yet meaningful interactive snippets from the lives of an expatriate taxi driver and his daughter and the intricate and complex relationship they share.
This film reflects on a broad intersection of gender identity, immigrant struggles in the U.S., the death of the American Dream, economic crises and debts, and — last but not least — the encumberment of human freedom and right to live under the regressive social structures upheld by humans themselves throughout generations.
The film opens with an intimate yet stifling scene at the dining table of a three-person Bengali household in a cramped New York apartment. The atmosphere is palpably tense, perhaps too confined for comfort, as we witness a silent dinner shared by Haider (Ajaz Alam), a weary taxi driver, his daughter Shoshi (Mithila Gazi), who prefers to be called Elijah, and his wife, Nipa (Debjanee Banerjee).
The silence hangs thick in the air, broken only by Shoshi’s strained attempts to voice her thoughts, words catching in her throat as she eats.
This discomforting ambiance, marked by silence and unspoken tension, pervades every indoor scene, establishing a recurring motif throughout the film. Shoshi’s struggle to articulate her feelings is a poignant foreshadowing of two fundamental elements: the film’s masterful use of silent, non-verbal communication among its central characters and a deliberate choice to leave much unsaid.
This narrative approach invites the audience to actively engage with the unfolding story, encouraging the audience to ponder the implications of what is left unsaid. As the plot unfolds, it crafts a contemplative yet suspenseful experience, keeping viewers alert and urging them to scrutinize even the subtlest details.
As the story unfolds, we delve deeper into the lives of each character, unveiling their complexities and struggles. We discover Shoshi’s heartfelt attempt to communicate with her father at the dining table in the opening scene, revealing why she chooses to be called Elijah. Shoshi is a transgender individual — mentally and emotionally male but trapped in a female body.
Shoshi’s journey is marked by profound internal conflict; despite theier deep love for their father, they feel compelled to hide their true self from him and the judgmental society in which they live that deems their desire for self-expression taboo.
In contrast, Haider’s story exposes the relentless fight to provide for his small family against overwhelming odds. He grapples with a city that ensnares taxi drivers like him in a crushing cycle of debt, leaving them to struggle for survival.
Through these intertwined narratives, the story powerfully captures the perspectives of many Bengali immigrants in the U.S. regarding LGBTQ+ communities and sheds light on the silent mental health crisis faced by this community, stemming from the rifts and challenges they endure.
The tension reaches a boiling point as Haider grapples with the crumbling facade of the American dream in the face of his ambitions. Faced with the heartbreaking revelation that his child is transgender and on the brink of a tragic decision, he stands at the precipice of despair.
In this moment of reckoning, Haider’s journey takes center stage as he confronts an impossible choice: cling to outdated beliefs and reject his child, or open his heart and embrace the profound truth of Soshi’s identity.
(Photo courtesy Image Maker Films)
The climax unfolds with nail-biting intensity, leading to a powerful resolution that leaves the audience in tears. Haider’s ultimate decision to is a testament to parental sacrifice that resonates deeply and moves everyone watching — a transformation yjsy is nothing short of exhilarating.
This narrative, though, is just one aspect of what makes this film exceptional. Season’s masterful scriptwriting and compelling storytelling are enhanced by expertly crafted scene sequencing and dramatic techniques that captivate viewers. His skillful use of symbolism and the poignant application of silence transform the film into a mesmerizing experience on the silver screen.
As audiences engage with the film, they are drawn in by its exceptional pacing. Each scene is intricately designed, skillfully balancing lighting, sound, dialogue and subtle non-verbal cues to sustain a palpable sense of mystery from the very start.
Season’s brilliance lies in his ability to invite viewers to interpret moments through their own experiences. He wisely avoids revealing everything outright, allowing the audience time and space to explore feelings of discomfort, hesitation and yearning for more.
What truly sets this film apart is its deliberate rejection of clichés and stereotypical portrayals of individuals or groups. This thoughtful approach makes the film universally relatable, fostering a deep sense of empathy among audiences from all backgrounds. Viewers can connect with the central characters and their personal struggles — both internal and external — regardless of their own community affiliations.
The visuals and color palette throughout this film powerfully encapsulate the internal conflicts, creating an ominous and suspenseful atmosphere. The pervasive gray and blue tones and deep, earthy colors are meticulously woven into every aspect, from the characters’ attire to the sweeping cityscape shots. Close-up shots are strategically employed to focus on the characters’ emotional turmoil, capturing fleeting yet profound expressions that convey their struggles.
Furthermore, the masterful use of shadows in indoor scenes, particularly in intimate bedroom settings, elevates the cinematic experience. This stunning camerawork instills a sense of grandeur, making the film feel like a multi-million-dollar blockbuster rather than the earnest endeavor of a freelance filmmaker working with a modest budget of just $30,000.
Beyond the previously mentioned elements, two aspects of the film stand out as particularly praiseworthy: the acting and the sound design. The performances of the three central characters — Ajaz Alam as Haider, Debjanee Banerjee as Nipa and especially Mithila Gazi as Shoshi (Elijah) — are remarkable and deserve a standing ovation. The palpable on-screen chemistry between Gazi and Alam, portraying a father and child, feels strikingly authentic, leaving the audience in no doubt about the film’s genuine foundation, rooted in real events.
Gazi’s portrayal of Elijah is especially captivating; her exquisite facial expressions and nuanced body language communicate a profound depth of repressed trauma, internal conflict and an aching desire for understanding from those she loves.
Equally impressive is the film’s sound design, which is both minimalist and profoundly effective. The deliberate use of silence, muffled footsteps, ambient city sounds, distant sirens, car horns and fleeting conversations creates a richly immersive experience for the audience. This thoughtful soundscape ensures that every moment feels intentional, enhancing the film’s authenticity while minimizing distractions.
Elijah transcends the realm of mere filmmaking; it is a profound narrative that resonates deeply with viewers long after the final credits roll. Season’s exceptional storytelling, along with his outstanding direction and screenplay, along with the cast’s powerful performances, illuminate a significant yet often neglected sociocultural phenomenon.
The film calls upon audiences to engage, reflect, and broaden their understanding of these pressing issues. Rather than providing simplistic answers to intricate problems, it embraces the complexity, transforming it into an emotionally charged experience. Elijah boldly compels viewers to reconsider their beliefs surrounding transphobia, gender identity and, crucially, the themes of parenthood and acceptance, firmly establishing its rightful place within the rich tapestry of modern cinema.
Elijah — directed by Razid Season, Image Maker Films, 2024 — will be screened at San Antonio QFest, the LGBTQ International Film Festival, on Friday, Oct. 10, at City Base Cinema, 2623 S.E. Military Drive in San Antonio. Visit PrideSanAntonio.org for more information.