Review of ‘Infidelity‘

By Caren Persad- Khan

Retired Senior Educator/ Award winning Indian Classical Dancer/ Actress

As the BMW 740 LI glides its way through the meandering roads to the summit of the picturesque San Fernando Hill, the beautiful heroine (Carrie), played by Kavita Maharajh, anxiously awaits to meet her lover (Daniel), played by Joel Joseph. The lovers, unaware of being watched, unite for their clandestine rendezvous. This scene ushers in the thrilling tale of betrayal and murder, ‘Infidelity.’

A Golden Eye Production, produced and directed by Hansley Ajodha, filmmaker, media practitioner and businessman. The cast comprises: Kavita Maharaj, Dinesh Maharaj, Rajendra Bajnathsingh, Errol “Blood” Roberts and Master Leroy Bruce amongst other supporting actors.

‘Infidelity’ is a film that seeks to portray a myriad of themes on love, betrayal, blackmail, murder, dependency, insecurity and greed. The story revolves around the protagonist, (Tony), played by Dinesh Maharaj, whose wife is having an affair. Tony is cognisant of this fact and initiates a series of events to murder her. There were exchange of numerous letters between the lovers and all but one being destroyed and ending up in the hands of Tony. A meeting was arranged whereby Tony would meet with Daniel, the lover, and an invitation would be extended to Daniel to join him (Tony) at a Halloween Party.

The plot thickens and one knows that characters are much more than their physical appearances. Tony, before exiting this scene, said to Carrie, “I love you,” and Carrie responded, “I know.” But the crescendo came immediately after with ” I really love you.” Sitting in the audience, this utterance was ominous and I could tell that the audience shared the same sentiments. Tony, even with his handicap, is a very powerful character, shrewd and calculating.

Carrie’s character on the on the other hand is unpretentious and very much  absorbed in her new relationship without a clue of the tragedy that would befall her.

When we watch a movie, we usually focus our attention on the characters and the plot.  But attention must be paid to the director’s credit on a very important element, the setting. Congratulations to Hansley Ajodha and  Golden Eye Production as they showcased some of the most beautiful and spectacular sights and songs of Trinidad and Tobago.  For example, the steelpan and song featured at Doc’s Ranch, the wharf in San Fernando, zip lining at Harry’s Water Park, Magdelena Grand and the Chancellor Hotel just to name a few.  The aim of the director was to establish a situation or mood in order to assist the audience to  understand the actions and emotional lives of the characters in the story which was brilliantly done.

The web of events that was spun which should have produced a murder, failed the first time.  But Tony, determined to accomplish his goal was relentless in his mission to annihilate his adulterer, maybe for revenge, greed or both.

Interestingly enough, in the final scene, as Carrie and Tony were about to journey out to sea on a small boat named, “Fidelity,” Carrie reminded Tony that they had done this on their first date.  Tony responded, “Hopefully it wouldn’t be your last.”  Another ominous response and flash back to the scene at Doc’s Ranch.

In concluding, the movie, “Infidelity” with its various themes, reflected the complexities of the society we inhabit.  The world as we know it is not all sunshine and rainbows and amongst us are many unscrupulous individuals with a sense of entitlement who must lie, blackmail and even murder to satisfy their personal greed.  Tony’s injury left him unable to provide as a breadwinner and he felt the need to murder his wife and inherit her assets.  Carrie wanted a life that cost her, her own life.  Daniel paid the price of getting into a relationship with a woman already involved.

This tale was entertaining and intriguing with a comprehensive and plausible story line.  It was easy to follow and maintained the interest of the audience.  The scenery was absolutely spectacular and familiar to the audience.  The musical themes were appropriate and carefully selected to coincide with the role of the characters, the setting and the plot.  One can safely endorse that the director’s vision was communicated in the story. 

Congratulations to Mr. Hansley Ajodha of Golden Eye Productions for a job well done.  We look forward to many more of his marvelous productions in the near future.