Puzzle

When it comes to movies and tv shows I've come to realize that if someone asks me about to describe what I saw and I can easily do it then I probably didn't enjoy it. The movie Puzzle is certainly a great example of it. On the surface the film is probably what you might expect - a person (or persons) trying to navigate all of the pieces that go to make up a life. What are the pieces? What's the best way to put them together. Am I missing any?

As with most good movies (especially character dramas) the strength of Puzzle is in the subtlety. It is fascinating to see the lead progress from a sheltered and misunderstood life into something more. More is learned by what isn't said than what is.

probably not a spoiler

[spoiler]The final scene is perfect in that it identifies that she is a person that is finally growing but it in no way is she a finished product. A less honest ending would have had her making the trip to Europe. Instead, she is someone at the beginning of the long-delayed exploration of herself and the puzzle around her.[/spoiler]

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This felt like someone's real life story. No drastic storyline, no Moral lectures, No ethical issues being pushed, no confrontation of the mistakes of the characters. Just life that's ticking and moving in a linear line.

We've been here before, of course; the story of a dissatisfied housewife taking solace in the arms of another. And while this isn't particulary original, it still plays along nicely. By the film's end, however, I felt there was a piece or two missing - the main character is a real puzzle of a person - but I might need to reassemble the pieces sometime and give the film a rewatch.

Overall it was a pretty solid film. Everything is pretty nuanced, and it's filled with great performances from Kelly Macdonald and Irfan Khan. I do wish they had more screen time together, because their interactions are great. At first, I didn't like the ending, but after giving it some time I think I like it for her character.