2020 may be remembered as a challenging year that pushed the human race out of their comfort zones, but it will also be cherished as the time when we learned (or re-learned) the value of life.
It was a time when we slowed down.
When we went back to basics, re-evaluated our priorities and became more mindful of the simple joys of life.
Be it cooking meals at home, connecting with old friends, going through old photo albums, cheering for our heroes and even becoming more sensitive… because we were all in it together!
55km/sec is a reminder of that time, except it’s not a virus – it is the end of the world!
There is no vaccine to save humankind.
There is no light at the end of the tunnel.
There is no tomorrow to look forward to.
It is the last day on Earth and life, as we know it, is coming to a definitive end.
Still from 55km/secThe film is opens setting the premise by two news presenters who brief us about a meteor approaching the Earth that will destroy the planet.
They share updates from the authorities, safety protocols and end their broadcast by announcing the end of Earth scheduled at 3PM.
Still from 55km/sec55 km/sec follows the last day of Suraj (Mrinal Dutt) who has been denied access to a specialized safety bunker.
He goes about his day shopping for groceries, feeds the strays on the road, has lunch on the rooftop, talks to his father on the phone… and then takes a risk moments before the apocalypse.
Note: I won’t elaborate the plot further at the risk of giving away spoilers.
Still from 55km/secWritten by Arati Kadav and Zain Matcheswalla, 55 km/sec is an intense film that uses a minimalistic approach to set the mood.
Over a duration of 22 minutes, we get an overview of Suraj’s entire life – his personality, family dynamics, friends and his values.
Shot during the lockdown of 2020 in India, Kadav manages to capture perfect visuals to establish the tone of the film.
The empty roads, graffiti on walls, haunting silences – all ensuing a sinking feeling of the calm before a storm (literally).
Still from 55km/secThe film will make you revisit all the emotions from the 2020 lockdown – discomfort, empathy, vulnerability, introspection and a sense of urgency to get to the finish line.
The only inaccuracy is the different times displayed on Suraj’s phone when he’s on call with his father and the clock in his kitchen.
Also, the time seen in both places is past 3PM, which is the scheduled time for the catastrophe. An extremely negligible oversight.
Popcorn Rating: 
[4/5]
Watch 55km/sec for a glimpse into the unforeseeable future, the art of simple yet edgy storytelling, and a touch of quirky sci-fi in signature Kadav style!
Director: Arati Kadav
Writers: Arati Kadav & Zain Matcheswalla
Cast: Richa Chadha & Mrinal Dutt
Streaming Platform: YouTube & ShortFilmWindow
