The Goat Life Movie Review | Starring Prithviraj Sukumaran
Rating: 3.5/5
Director: Blessy
Cast: Prithviraj Sukumaran, Amala Paul, KR Gokul, Jimmy Jean-Louis
Runtime: 2h 41m
Storyline:
The Goat Life is the adaptation of the 2008 best-selling Malayalam novel Aadujeevitham by Benyamin, which is based on a harrowing true story.
The Goat Life follows Najeeb (Prithviraj) – a poor migrant labourer who leaves behind his village and his pregnant wife (Amala Paul) to pursue a lucrative job opportunity abroad. But when he and his acquaintance Hakeem (KR Gokul) land in Saudi Arabia, their journey takes a dark turn.
Khafeel (Talib Al Balushi) takes advantage of the clueless two, transporting them to a remote farm in the desert and forcing them into slavery as goatherds! Najeeb is subjected to relentless torment by his owner and as the days start to bleed together, he is barely clinging to life.
A kind-hearted Somalian worker (Jimmy Jean-Louis) promises to help them flee. Will they be successful in escaping their captivity whilst braving the brutal dangers of the desert?
Watch The Goat Life to see how the story unravels –
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The Goat Life Movie Review:
Based on a horrifying true story, The Goat Life is an emotionally compelling tale, showing the indomitable spirit of man against insurmountable obstacles.
The 1st half of this survival drama follows Najeeb’s simple life in Kerela, and his fleeting romance with his wife, which is then juxtaposed with the harrowing ordeal he endures in Saudi Arabia. The 2nd half takes us on a wild ride as Najeeb and his companions attempt an arduous escape from slavery.
The Goat Life is a technically sound film and quite visually striking. The monotony and dread really seep in with the stark visuals. There is a pivotal turbulent sandstorm scene which is brilliantly shot – one of the highlights of the movie.
The Goat Life Movie Review:
Prithviraj’s astounding physical transformation in The Goat Life is commendable; he has become one with the character. He gives a heartwrenching, immersive performance as he transforms from a loving husband and earnest worker to a haggard, unkempt, dehumanised wretch. In some moments from the 2nd half, Prithviraj’s agonized act becomes almost too raw and real to watch.
The film suffers from a glacial pace and a lengthy runtime that could’ve been trimmed to be more engaging. Moreover, the Arabic dialogue isn’t translated so the viewer is just as perplexed and lost as Najeeb (which is an intentional choice by the director) but after a while, having to infer meaning constantly gives way to tedium. Nevertheless, The Goat Life does a good job of making one empathize with Najeeb’s plight.
Complementing Prithviraj’s Najeeb, KR Gokul also gives a heart-rending performance. Jimmy Jean Louis as the perseverant Ibrahim is another moving character. Amala Paul’s role could have been more substantial but she is still effective in the limited time she gets.
AR Rahman elevates the movie with a heart-touching background score.
Hit Or Miss:
Worth watching on the big screen for Prithviraj’s career-best performance!
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