Debut: 'Uncle' Rings Heartfelt And True
Written by Kahlil Maskati and directed by Andrew Carter, Uncle: A young man's relationship with his Indian father -- in 3 car rides, over ten years is just that: a poignant review of the evolution of a father-son relationship over a decade. The entire film takes place in the same Kia, but spans from 2015 until 2023, following Haris and his father Imran. The film covers three car rides, in which Imran takes Haris to his job at Goldman Sachs. Each time, Imran drives while Haris sits shotgun. Each time, Imran fields a call from his boss and his brother. But each ride shows a distinct change in the relationship between father and son, marking the passage of time not only in aging and costume, but in life.
The first ride, in 2010, sees Haris beginning his finance job after completing his business degree. Haris, outfitted in a button-down and a tie and clean-shaven, stares tensely ahead as Imran begrudgingly takes the wheel. He peels a hard-boiled egg as his father asks, “so, how are you feeling about Goldman?”
“Anything but Sachs,” Haris groans.
After a brief talk with his boss, Uncle Alim calls Imran, who is happy to gloat about Haris’ new gig.
Five years later, Haris wears a hoodie and a longer beard, slumped more casually in his chair. He and his father argue over the music, but their argument feels more amiable, their relationship more equal. Haris pushes back at Imran’s fatherly lectures, and again peels his hard-boiled egg. This time, the call from Imran’s boss is more tense… and so is Imran. Haris, too, seems more world-weary. In this ride, the call from Alim takes on a much darker tone.
“How’s your day?” Asks Imran.
“How are you?” Asks Haris in turn.
Alim’s responses feel downtrodden, his voice lower and melancholy. A discomfort falls over the car, as both father and son share the disquieting knowledge that, thousands of miles away, Alim is suffering.
In 2020, Haris and Imran seem to have swapped places: Haris is upbeat, though Imran’s tone is sad. He declines the call from his boss. Alim does not call.
“Shit.” Imran mutters, stifling tears. “I’m fine, I’m fine.”
“I remember those phone calls,” offers Haris. “I miss him too.”
No longer is Imran taking the fatherly role; rather, Haris comforts Imran, who worries that Haris may follow in his uncle’s footsteps.
Through these heartfelt, humorous, and at times dark vignettes, the viewer watches Haris and Imran evolve as individuals, and together. Within the confines of this car, over 8 years, the viewer knows that so much has happened – even the fraction of their lives to which the audience is privy tells a story of hardship. The dialogue and dynamic between Haris and Imran feels organic, natural, and very much akin to the parental relationships that its viewers may share.
The father and son establish and push boundaries, learn and shift their roles in each others’ lives, and, by the end of the film, seem to develop a greater appreciation for each other. Omar Maskati (Haris) and Ajay Naidu (Imran) give understated yet effective performances with a chemistry so organic that they could be father and son in real life. As their paths diverge and intertwine, viewers learn about generational differences in attitudes towards work, family, and values.
Though Uncle may not be the most impressive filmic feat of 2023, it is nonetheless a well-done short that invites the viewer to consider their own values and relationships with family. As Imran and Haris grow closer and more alike despite their differences, viewers feel hopeful that generational and cultural differences can be bridged with understanding, and with time.