Shadowbox, a Bengali-and Hindi-language drama and the feature debut of directors Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi, had its world premiere in the Perspectives section at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival. The film is an intimate and moving family drama that explores loyalty, resilience, and the quiet strength needed to protect those we love. It follows Maya (Tillotama Shome), a devoted mother and wife, as she navigates life with Sundar (Chandan Bisht), a retired soldier living with PTSD. When Sundar becomes implicated in a local murder, Maya works tirelessly to shield him while caring for their young son, Debu, whose passion for dance reflects the family’s hopes and dreams amid challenging circumstances.Tillotama Shome delivers a commanding and deeply empathetic performance as Maya, capturing patience, determination, and moral courage with subtlety and grace. Chandan Bisht portrays Sundar with remarkable sensitivity, showing the quiet struggles and inner turmoil of a man haunted by trauma. Their interactions, often marked by silence and nuanced gestures, create a powerful emotional resonance that anchors the film. Debu’s presence adds warmth and hope, underscoring the importance of family bonds and support.The film’s restrained, neorealist style allows viewers to fully inhabit the family’s world, experiencing the emotional tensions and moral complexities with intimacy. Carefully composed shots, naturalistic lighting, and close attention to everyday details bring the household and its surroundings to life, making each moment feel authentic and profoundly human.Shadowbox is ultimately a story about love, devotion, and resilience in the face of adversity. Anchored by standout performances from Shome and Bisht, the film captures a family’s quiet struggles and triumphs, offering a deeply intimate experience that resonates with audiences worldwide. Nicole Guillemet