7 Days, 2022.
Directed by Roshan Sethi.
Starring Karan Soni, Geraldine Viswanathan, Zenobia Shroff, Gita Reddy, Vinny Chhibber, Asif Ali, and Mark Duplass.
SYNOPSIS:
As if their pre-arranged date, organized by their traditional Indian parents, wasn’t uncomfortable enough, Ravi and Rita are forced to shelter in place together as COVID-19’s reach intensifies.
7 Days is not the first movie to open up with computer screen imagery of dating profiles being filled out. However, separating itself from those is the revelation that we are witnessing traditional Indian parents arrange dates for their sons and daughters, intending them to wed within the titular time frame provided the meet-ups go swimmingly. Co-written and directed by Roshan Sethi (with real-life partner Karan Soni starring and providing script insight based on shared experiences), the story refreshingly isn’t out to condemn these conservative values, as it opens with footage of actual arranged married couples. No, these filmmakers are more interested in probing multiple perspectives, such as how this is an awkward dating concept (one character refers to it as psychotic, and it’s hard to disagree considering how overbearing the parents are), but that there is an inherently sweet romantic touch to the success stories.
That starts with a mismatched central pairing. He is Ravi (Karan Soni, a moving embodiment of intelligence, amusement, affection, loneliness, and repression). She is Rita (Geraldine Viswanathan, continuing to rise as a must-see performer, masking inner pain with a misplaced expression of freedom). In March 2020, they enjoy a picnic with masks on, enjoying a decent time even if there doesn’t seem to be much of an immediate connection. Just as they finish, lockdown initiates, leaving Ravi stranded and unable to stay or go anywhere. Kindly and reluctantly, Rita suggests Ravi sleep on the couch for tonight.
The hesitation comes from the reality that Rita is not the traditional Indian daughter her mother advertises. Her house is a mess, she is a drinker, she has a fridge full of chicken wings, a vibrator in the bathroom, and she sexts another guy (unknowingly within earshot of Ravi), praising him as “daddy.” Naturally, this conflicts with every personality trait Ravi is looking for in a partner, who comes across as a massive buzzkill for Rita during these early stages of hardship.
Nevertheless, this is a pandemic era romantic comedy (one that probably would have benefited from being released sometime last year after its festival premiere rather than now, where some of this feels either outdated because it was filmed during a time when details about the virus were somewhat scarce or it’s the usual cinematic storytelling refinery for more efficiency), so laughs and hijinks will ensue as these opposites attract and pick apart the good and bad of their respective lifestyles. It’s also that cultural specificity that further sets 7 Days apart from its peers, and you sure as hell don’t have to be Indian to connect with its themes of yearning, messiness, and global health crisis paranoia.
There is a moment where Rita ends up on speakerphone with her mother, cruelly hoping that her daughter didn’t show Ravi her true personality. There are assuredly elements of arranged dating that are depicted as toxic and hurtful. The dichotomy in parental bonds between the two leads is another curious, highly fascinating element. In other words, the script does due diligence in earning our approval that if these two are stuck with someone, they are suitable for one another, differences and all. Its best scenes feature the characters fearlessly going after one another about their feelings and values, trying to expose various cracks in their thought process while bringing out more positive and balanced and simply better versions of themselves. In a dating culture that does sometimes encourage instant gratification and results, it’s also pleasantly reassuring witnessing what can happen when people take the time to get to know one another instead of writing each other off following some initial awkwardness.
The third act tonal shift into sickness crisis doesn’t always work, as the chemistry between Karan Soni and Geraldine Viswanathan is a crucial source of energy and engagement, subsequently taking a hit when separated. There’s a case that a similarly compelling story could have been told sticking to the already funny comedian approach. However, 7 Days mostly has the right idea of weaving culture and pandemics into its traditional romantic comedy storytelling. It’s heartwarming and thought-provoking in unexpected ways, with layered and enchanting lead performances.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Robert Kojder is a member of the Chicago Film Critics Association and the Critics Choice Association. He is also the Flickering Myth Reviews Editor. Check here for new reviews, follow my Twitter or Letterboxd, or email me at MetalGearSolid719@gmail.com
