Title: Buoyancy
Year: 2020
Rating: 7.3
Cast: Sarm Heng, Thanawut Ketsaro, Rous Mony, Saichia Wongwirot, Yothin Udomsanti
Description: The oppressive humidity of the Malaysian sea hangs heavy, mirroring the suffocating despair at the heart of Rodd Rathjen's "Buoyancy." This isn't just a survival story; it's a visceral exploration of human desperation and the brutal dehumanization inherent in modern slavery. Rathjen masterfully crafts a narrative that avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on the quiet, agonizing erosion of Jak's spirit as he endures unimaginable hardship. The film's power lies not in graphic violence, but in its unflinching portrayal of the insidious psychological torment inflicted upon its protagonist. We witness his slow descent into a state of numb acceptance, a chilling testament to the resilience – and fragility – of the human spirit. The cinematography, stark and beautiful in its simplicity, perfectly captures the stark contrast between the idyllic beauty of the ocean and the grim reality of captivity. "Buoyancy" isn't an easy watch, but it's a necessary one, a haunting reminder of the pervasive global issue of human trafficking and the enduring strength of the human will to survive.