Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (2023) Drama Movie

Pham Thien An's thoughtful movie, "Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell," blurs the line between the real world and imagination, exploring themes of faith and loss after a tragic incident. The story follows Thien, a young man in Saigon who works as a wedding videographer and enjoys his time with friends. However, when his sister-in-law dies in a motorbike accident, Thien takes on the responsibility of caring for his nephew Dao. The journey to find his estranged brother becomes a reflective exploration of faith and death.

The film, which won the Camera d’Or for Best First Feature at the Cannes Film Festival, is visually stunning. Directed and written by An, it unfolds at a steady pace, capturing the natural beauty of rural Vietnam in vivid detail. Dinh Duy Hung's cinematography complements An's direction, skillfully framing scenes to convey a sense of belonging and travel. Certain shots, reminiscent of John Ford's style, portray people through doors and windows, while distant shots emphasize the smallness of Thien's problems in the grander scheme.

Given An's background as a wedding videographer, the film also provides glimpses into Thien's work and offers an observational perspective during his sister-in-law's services. This "back of the room" view adds a unique and present yet removed quality to the storytelling. "Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell" takes viewers on a journey that not only explores the complexities of life but also showcases the beauty of Vietnam's landscapes in a way that anyone can appreciate.

What's remarkable is that the supporting characters, played by non-professional actors, deliver extended monologues without cuts or sudden movements. This approach adds to the stillness of the scenes, allowing the storytellers to take center stage.

Thien's spiritual journey is intricately woven into the film's visual and narrative elements. Religious symbols, such as Jesus on the cross, appear throughout, blending with the natural scenery. Thao, Thien's old crush, becomes a nun and teacher in their hometown, adding another layer to the spiritual theme. Despite facing challenges on his journey, including the breakdown of his motorbike, Thien encounters religious elements that, in subtle ways, surround him like the calming atmosphere of a church.

While Thien's initial quest was to find his brother, the film allows ample time to appreciate the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside and grapple with the complexities of death and faith. Thien's meditative journey contrasts with his busy city life, highlighting the solitude required to ponder life's deeper questions. Importantly, the film doesn't provide neat answers; instead, it encourages viewers to draw their own conclusions from Thien's introspection and seek spiritual fulfillment by listening to others and themselves.