Influences and Originality
Milestone draws heavily from established filmmakers, raising the question of whether Ayr brings anything distinctive to the table. Is Milestone merely another Netflix original lacking true originality?
Character Introduction
Suvinder Vicky portrays Ghalib, a reclusive driver (with obvious parallels to Ramin Bahrani’s works) who starts the film grappling with the news of his wife’s death. As hardship mounts, Ghalib is compelled to mentor a young intern, Pash (Lakshvir Saran), at his trucking firm. The naïve intern contrasts sharply with the weary Ghalib, who, burdened by physical ailments, fears that this vibrant newcomer might be poised to take over his job.
Seeking Refuge
Amidst his escalating stress, Ghalib turns to his truck for solace. Ayr employs familiar visual techniques to evoke “mood” and “depth,” including long handheld shots reminiscent of Alan Clarke’s style. However, this minimalist approach clashes with the gravity of Ghalib’s predicament. The documentary-style filming fails to capture the epic possibilities of the script, which delves into Ghalib’s immense suffering—a relevant tragedy recontextualized for the gig economy. Such a narrative warrants more complexity at a formal level, yet Ayr opts for minimalism, employing muted colors, sparse dialogue, extended scenes, and the absence of music. This raw, urgent, and supposedly authentic aesthetic might fit other narratives, but it comes off as inadequate for Ghalib’s weighty story.
The Complexity of Ghalib
The film’s austere visual style feels inadequate given Ghalib’s intricate character. He deserves a treatment that reflects his depth rather than simplicity. Ghalib appears lost within the film’s chosen aesthetic, struggling to articulate himself. As the story unfolds, fragments of his personality emerge, revealing his complexities through guilt and shortcomings. Although he seems caring, there’s a noticeable emotional distance, and the revelation that he and his wife were estranged prior to her death complicates our empathy towards him. Audiences are led to question his accountability in both personal and professional realms: Is Pash truly the problem, or is Ghalib simply unmotivated?
Exploring Dark Mysteries
Milestone is replete with such dark enigmas, which serve as its strengths. Nevertheless, when it comes to articulating the high drama these mysteries deserve, the results are disappointing. A shaky, unfocused handheld camera following Ghalib in an excessively prolonged walking shot feels tedious and lacks craftsmanship. The ambitious vision appears unfulfilled, resulting in Milestone coming off as a light art-house film—think diet indie without the sharp edges—typical of Netflix’s offerings, which tend to shy away from risks in order to maintain subscriber interest.
Missed Opportunities in Setting
The film touches upon various local Indian issues, such as the country’s notably low median age—which creates a generational tension between the young Pash and aging Ghalib—and the obligations that family ties impose on Ghalib to compensate his late wife’s family. However, these themes are only briefly mentioned, lacking the exploration they deserve. A thorough examination of these topics might have provided a unique and bold perspective for Netflix’s predominantly Western audience. Unfortunately, Milestone ultimately opts for a safer approach.
