Writer/Director Christopher Di Nunzio's latest film, the 5-minute meditative film Kinnari, follows David (David Graziano), an older gent whom we observe in a series of black-and-white set introspective reflections as he expressively examines his life with an internal dialogue that seemingly questions the reasons for his life, his choices, his past, and his future. For David, Jamie Joshi represents the personification of his Kinnari, a weaving together of Buddhist and Hindu tradition that manifests as the everlasting lover, a perpetual companion that is ever embracing. One gets a sense within Graziano's performance that he longs for this relationship from his past and to rediscover this beauty that, at least for him, holds the key to his enlightenment. 

D.P. Nolan Yee once again lenses a film to perfection, creating a sense of intimacy that feels both personal and universal. Yee's lensing also infuses the film with a spirituality that never overwhelms the project and works nicely with Graziano's introspective yet mostly resigned bordering on melancholy monologue. While the film has a layer of sadness to it, it's not really a sad film but a quiet one that gives one a glimpse into the likelihood that even if David were to reconnect with that beauty it may not satisfy that emptiness that he feels inside. Graziano's work here, as always, is intelligent and insightful. 

Kinnari has been made available by Di Nunzio for streaming and gave the green light for The Independent Critic to post the film in its entirety with the review. While it's not likely a film that will resonate with everyone, for those who do connect with it there will likely be a period of inner-reflection and self-examination that follows. 

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic