Bench is a minimalist, low-budget, essentially two character short film by Usman Mukhtar that explores the relationship between a man and his wife. Over time they have drifted apart and started wondering what had drawn them to each other in the first place. There is no melodrama or unnecessary histrionics. The acting is subtle and understated, as is characteristic of Usman Mukhtar’s work. Rubya Chaudhry as Iman is also very low key and restrained and holds her own against the unassuming Usman Mukhtar, who has been flying high after the success of his play, Hum Kahan Kay Sachay Thay.

The short film genre is still in its infancy in Pakistan. The filmmakers have only recently turned to experimenting in it. Short films are generally made with modest budgets. Most of these cater to a niche that prefers parallel or offbeat cinema. This film attempts to examine how relationships change with the passage of time. The bench in this film on which the two are seated in a park while having a conversation symbolises continuity and consistency in their life which has, like any other relationship, evolved and developed through its ups and downs. You can tell from the easy rapport they share and their concern for each other that they still love and care for each other deeply. However, for some reason the wife feels that the relationship is doomed. Usman as the husband expresses a desire to make it work but Rubya seems strangely reluctant to do so.

The lines of communication are open and the fact that they can still have a healthy discussion about their relationship shows an absence of bitterness, animosity or rancour. The couple exudes maturity and wisdom and we can be sure that whatever the outcome, the respect and the concern they have for each other is there to stay.

The film does not attempt any false intellectual pretences. It is a simple and straight out of life production about a couple who has shared and experienced a lot together and still have feelings for each other, but somehow feel that the relationship has run its course and fizzled out. A lot of things are left unsaid and the body language of the couple shows that they are comfortable and relaxed in each other’s company. The wife actually breaks down when her husband walks away after signing the divorce deed and is unsure about whether this was what she really wanted. A part of her wants to hold on and make a fresh start while the other part wants to let go and cannot muster up the courage to make the effort to give this relationship what it needs. Maybe she feels emotionally drained. After all one cannot pour from an empty cup.

There is no definitive conclusion. The outcome is left to the imagination of the viewer. After the two go their separate ways, Iman hails a taxi and unfolds the divorce deed. Then she smiles a little smile to herself. The stress and worry on her face vanish and are replaced with a light hearted, carefree smile which indicates that what transpired is to her liking. Does this mean that Usman never signed the divorce deed? That he penned a romantic message for her instead or shared a private joke? We do not know and that is exactly why this film so closely mirrors reality.

Relationships are complicated and can sometimes hit a cul-de-sac. What does one do then? Maybe the husband has succeeded in persuading the wife to give it another go. By leaving the film open ended, the film maker has emphasised that the relationship as it stands is one of mutual love and respect. The comfort level and rapport shared by the two are indicative of a healthy, harmonious relationship. The lines of communication are open. The fact that they can have a healthy discussion about their relationship shows an absence of bitterness, animosity or rancour. The couple exudes maturity and wisdom and we can be sure that whatever the outcome, the respect and the concern for each other is there to stay. The film shows the viewer a refreshing side of relationships in South-East Asia, steering away from love triangles, infidelity and polygamy storylines. Bench is available to stream on YouTube.

The writer is an educationist and can be reached at gaiteeara@hotmail.com