Footage story: In the midst of the pandemic, two vloggers embark on an exciting quest that leads them from their cozy apartment into the great outdoors. As they dig deeper into the mystery surrounding the peculiar woman living below them, the couple finds themselves on a perilous path filled with unexpected dangers.

Footage review: Editor Saiju Sreedharan is often regarded as one of the finest 'hidden gems' in Malayalam cinema. He has contributed to some of the most acclaimed films in the past decade, such as Maayanadhi, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Anjaam Paathira, and Virus. Therefore, it’s no surprise that he has chosen to tackle the challenging genre of a footage thriller for his directorial debut.

Set against the backdrop of the pandemic lockdown, the film centers on a young couple, Vishak Nair and Gayathri Ashok, who are YouTubers living life by their own rules. They reject the traditional boundaries that society tries to impose and focus on enjoying the present moment, sharing their experiences as they unfold. With a small but dedicated audience on their YouTube channel, they embark on adventures to solve mysteries, whether exploring eerie abandoned sites or investigating their own apartment complex. However, one particular mystery leads them down a path where they must face challenges far beyond what they expected.

Director Saiju, who also collaborated with Shabna Mohammed on editing and co-scripting Footage, showcases the film from two distinct viewpoints. One perspective comes from Vishak Nair's character, while the other is seen through Gayathri Ashok’s lens. This duality creates intriguing gaps that the audience gets to explore in the second half. The editing is sharp, fitting the thriller format perfectly, ensuring that viewers never feel any jarring transitions. You get just the right amount of information, although the intense suspense that builds up at the interval is somewhat diluted by the next 10 minutes, which focus more on the characters’ relationship instead of delving into their motivations for pursuing this specific case.

What truly makes Footage a standout film is its immersive experience. It's a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat during its most thrilling portions. Caution: The shaky camera and the first-person perspective might make some viewers nauseous, because you are constantly glued to the screens as the protagonists swim, climb, fall and even sneak through narrow, dark and dilapidated spaces. The sound department including sound designer Nixon George makes this an absolute must-watch experience. The muffled sounds underwater, the constant rain, and the thud of a fall are all captured in its truest sense, allowing the audience to experience the fear and excitement as the protagonists go on their chase. 

There's always the argument that the beginning of the second half, which has more steady than shaky camera shots, sort of eases the audience a bit before taking them through the roller-coaster ride, but it does take away the fizz a bit. That said, the cinematography of the film, by Shinoz, feels so organic that it becomes one with the performances of the actors, and you forget after a while that you are actually watching a footage-format film.

The performances by the main cast—Vishak Nair, Gayathri Ashok, and Manju Warrier—really enhance the film. It features some provocative scenes, starting with a sequence where the protagonist observes a couple in an intimate moment. These moments are captured artistically and highlight the characters' willingness to intrude on others' privacy. The writers focus on character development, ensuring that the story doesn’t overshadow their depth. Through their philosophies and candid moments, we learn a lot about who they are. However, Manju Warrier’s character remains somewhat enigmatic, with only a few clues hinting at her true intentions. Despite her limited dialogue, the actress delivers a strong performance.

Kudos to the filmmakers, cast, and producers for supporting such a project, which is bolstered by solid writing. Not many films tackle the struggles of women and society's perceptions; "Footage" does this effectively in several scenes, providing thoughtful insights without coming off as preachy.

In the second half of "Footage," while it attempts to answer lingering questions, it lacks the intensity that the first half promised, aside from a few standout moments, including a memorable scene with elephants on a damaged ship. Nevertheless, it still contributes to an overall captivating theater experience.

In summary, "Footage" marks a fantastic debut for editor-turned-director Saiju Sreedharan, who successfully crafts a thrilling film that’s perfect for the big screen. The performances and production quality are exceptional, making this gripping thriller a must-see for genre enthusiasts.

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