The World Unseen

Directed By Shamim Sarif

Review By Joseph Krimple

The World Unseen is a touching love story about two very different
Indian women set in 1950's apartheid South Africa.  This beautifully
crafted period piece is based on the novel of the same name by Shamim
Sarif.  In her directorial debut, Sarif makes the transition from
novel to big screen utterly seamless, depicting romantic love that
transcends its racist, sexist and homophobic surroundings. 

Amina (Sheetal Sheth) is a progressive Jane-of-all-trade who wears men's
clothing, defies local police, and runs her own café – all very
unconventional in this time and place.  Conversely, Miriam (Lisa Ray)
is a subservient, demure housewife who knows the world only from her
assigned place.  One day as Miriam's husband allows her to go out for
lunch, a chance encounter with Amina in her café stirs feelings in
Miriam that can't be shaken.  Soon thereafter, Miriam and her family
move to the countryside to open a grocery.  There, Amina offers to
cultivate a garden for Miriam's husband as a means to be near her
paramour, working way past dusk.  Miriam insists Amina stay the night
as the roads are too dangerous for a woman even of Amina's tenacity.

The women talk through the evening and grow closer as they discuss
their families' expectations of both of them.  "I've lived my whole
life my own way and it can be done," Amina implores Miriam.  The
sexual tension and chemistry are palpable but loving another woman is
simply unfathomable for Miriam.  The viewer begins to believe that
there is no future for these two women, at least not together.  But in
the end, you're left with the impression that the road ahead might be
filled with obstacles but it will definitely be traveled together.

David Dennis gives an amazing performance as Jacob, Amina's kindly
business partner, who best sums up the theme of the story: "I have
lived my entire life in this place by their rules.  I do not want to
end my life alone because of them."