« Monday Mourning» by Dustin Kahia

Directed by Dustin Kahia and starring Dominic Bogart and newcomer Claire Haller, “Monday Mourning” is a captivating journey into the intricate web of familial relationships and emotional revelations.

Dominic Bogart takes on the role of a man forced to confront his inner demons on a day marked by a heartbreaking and unknown pain. In his character, Daniel, grappling with the weight of the past and the uncertainties of the present, Bogart delivers a raw and emotionally resonant performance, capturing the essence of a man on the brink of self-discovery.

On the other hand, Claire Haller shines in her portrayal of Daniel’s sister, a character brimming with hope and humanity. Through her nuanced performance, the audience witnesses a touching attempt to bridge the emotional gap that separates the siblings, as she tries to awaken her brother’s mind with a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.

Under Kahia’s decisive directorial choices, the film weaves a narrative of the unsaid and complex family dynamics, inviting viewers to recognize and immerse themselves in the enigma, so personal and yet so universal, of a family.

The interactions between the characters, laden with tension, nostalgia, and hidden truths, paint a vivid portrait of a family grappling with undisclosed secrets and unresolved conflicts.

“Monday Mourning” challenges the audience to reflect on the power of presence, the complexities of reconciliation, and the lasting impact of unspoken words that linger within family relationships. With a delicate balance between what is said and what remains to be reconstructed afterwards, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, highlighting the fragility and resilience of familial bonds in the face of adversity.

Engaging, introspective, and emotionally resonant, “Monday Mourning” is a testament to Kahia’s directorial vision, rooted in the director’s personal history. A moving yet never morbid testament, the film leaves viewers almost compelled to confront their own truths and embrace the complexities of human relationships, fragile yet indissoluble.