Helen (2019) Movie Review

I will always say that Malayalam cinema is the best cinema in the Indian film industry. So, I always look out out for more platinum standard content in this industry. My brother recommended Helen as loves thrillers and genres related to that. Add to that, the trailer is very interesting showing the lead stuck in a freezer. This is my second movie in other language after Dia. This has happened only for the second time after I watched Asuran, Android Kunjappan 5.25 and Kavaludhari all at once on the New Year's Eve for the first time. Does Helen rise to the standards of Malayalam cinema? Let us find out.

Helen is a 2019 Malayalam survival thriller drama starring Laal, Anna Ben, Noble Babu Thomas, Aju Varghese and others directed by Mathukutty Xavier. The story revolves around Helen Paul, a B.Sc Nursing graduate now studying for the IELTS to go to Canada. Also, she has an affair with Azhar Mohammed. In a difficult situation, Helen finds herself trapped in a freezer of about -16 to -20 degrees Celsius. Can he find her way out safely? 

The screenplay based on the Kenneka Jenkins event is excellent. The format of the screenplay i.e., 1 hour buildup and 1 hour thrills is familiar but used effectively. In the buildup, the relationship between Paul and Helen is beautifully established and it becomes the driving force of the film. The relation between Azhar and Helen is also well done and helps in the climax of the film. The last hour of the film though, take a bow. It is one of the best experiences I have ever had. It is chilling(count it as a pun also). The writers took motivations from various sources across the Internet and converted them into a riveting screenplay. The screenplay is also very realistic and so it becomes very unsettling at times as I was feeling the cool air myself. Overall, this screenplay is the best.

The acting is top notch. Laal as Helen's father pulls your heart-strings out as he delivers an emotional performance. He proves yet again why he is a legend in Malayalam cinema. Aju Varghese gets a special mention as Ratheesh Kumar. He acts as the only roadblock of this story and he delivers that grey shades with ease. Nobel Babu Thomas as Azhar is a good performer. You can feel the sheer love he possesses for Helen in every scene. But, the star performer of this film is Anna Ben as Helen. She is a wonderful performer. She plays the role of a young girl who survives in -18 degrees Celsius with utmost dedication. She is breath-taking to watch in this film. But, when you know that it is just her 2nd film and her 1st is Kumbalangi Nights which is a modern classic, you have to surrender to the future superstar. Hats-off.

The technical aspects also deserve special credit. The score by Shaan Rehman is excellent. Editing by Shameer Muhammed is sharp and on point. Cinematography by Anend C. Chandran is absolute white gold as his scenes in the freezer elevate the mood of the picture. Art department also needs to commended for the design of the freezer. Makeup department for the makeup of the frozen face has to be credited as it is very realistic. 

Overall, this film is a gem. Not in the top-tier maybe but this because of the standards of Malayalam cinema now. This film can qualify as the best film of the year if in any other industry. A rare piece of survival drama we may not get in years. So, I would recommend you to watch it and cherish this experience.

iMDB Rating: 7.7/10

My Rating: 9.5/10