Rojin Thomas’ “#Home,” released in 2021, is a relatable and light-hearted story that showcases how the technologically illiterate father, Oliver Twist (Indrans), struggles hard to bridge the gap between his sons, who are immersed in the world of social media and smartphones. The importance of family ties, humane assets, the journey of self-discovery, an empathetic attitude, and mastering the mysteries of smartphones are narrated in an endearing and humorous manner. This is not just the reel life of Oliver Twist and his family but the real-life story of many residing within the same home, yet disconnected from each other and drifting apart to their own e-hemispheres of life.
The middle-aged father, Oliver Twist, struggles to make sense of the fast-changing world. He notices that his eldest son, Anthony (Sreenath Bhasi), is very fond of interacting with people on the phone instead of talking to someone beside him. Anthony faces writer’s block and digital addiction that impedes his ability to complete the script of his upcoming film, or perhaps it’s utter laziness. Oliver’s nomophobic son exhibits a strong sense of revulsion when he’s pushed to speak directly with another human being next to him. Anthony represents the young generation who values digital relations more than anything else. They are unable to value the worth of a person close to them. They place online relationships on a pedestal.
Oliver is the digitally unsavvy father of two indifferent sons: Antony Oliver Twist, a film director with one super hit, currently struggling with his second script; Charles (Naslen K Gafoor), the younger son who is a social media geek creating YouTube vlogs for anything and everything around him. Oliver has retired from his obsolete video cassette business and shifted his passion to his organic terrace garden. Oliver also cares for his ailing father and does the household chores willingly. Oliver’s wife, Kuttiyamma (Manju), is a typical sharp-tongued housewife whose nursing proficiency helps give great care to all in the family, especially Oliver’s father.
Oliver spends a lot of time with his childhood and dearest friend, Suryan, who stands with him in all the crests and troughs of life. Oliver feels free to confide his emotional agonies and the indifferent-cum-insulting behavior of Anthony to Suryan. “# Home” brings forth the challenging actuality of the present day, where everyone remains connected but living in their digital cocoon, clinging to their personal gadgets. This is a heart-warming family drama where social media turns out to be the villain, affecting the relationship between a father and his son.
Anthony, who had success with his debut film, is leading a disorderly existence as he is striving hard to finish the climax of his second film. Baby, the film producer, grows impatient as Anthony is unable to finish the script. The producer asks him to write the last act from the same place where he wrote his successful debut, i.e., home. Antony has a deadline of seven days. Antony’s relationship with his girlfriend, Priya (Deepa Thomas), also does not run smoothly, as he is least bothered by her emotional requirements. They express their hidden and unheard feelings to each other in the form of ‘emotional athyachar’ through Instagram stories.
Oliver, a beginner in the social media world, learns new things from many, including his younger son. Oliver tells Kuttiyamma that the problem between Anthony and Priya is some ‘emotional achar’ that both of them are unaware of. While interacting with a mobile phone shopkeeper, Oliver mispronounces Instagram as ‘installment.’ He frankly admits his ignorance and has a willing and affirmative mindset to learn the nuances of the online world from others. When Oliver asks Charles to teach him how to use WhatsApp and Facebook and how to pay bills, Charles impatiently tells him: Papa, you have come with one year’s syllabus to be taught. Oliver resembles many fathers of the present day who approach their children with a notebook to clarify their doubts and jot down the tips to be remembered for future use.
“#Home” beautifully captures the ironies of the highly connected world and the dying culture of person-to-person interaction. The film, which is written and directed by Rojin Thomas, speaks the truth of the present times. It puts in perspective how technology has brought the world closer and, at the same time, driven us away from the people who matter to us the most. The characters and their interpersonal dynamics possess a lived-in feel, especially Indrans, who has an extraordinary sense of presence.
The film talks in detail about the new-age parenting challenges. It also reflects on how technology is reshaping lives in every conceivable way, especially the way people interact with their surroundings. “#Home” will make one analyze the importance and consideration the present generation bestows upon relationships. Despite all the humiliations showered on him by his sons, Oliver is ready to do anything for them. He willingly consults a psychologist to bring changes in his life. He does not feel anything wrong in taking the advice of an expert to better his life. It does bring changes in his entire personality. The film acknowledges the importance of mental health in day-to-day life and why our mental peace should not be overlooked.
Anthony undergoes a sea change into ‘something rich and strange’ towards the close of the film. His rebellious nature gets a reformation, and he willingly accepts his flaws, thereby posting a note on social media in his handwriting with mistakes and overwriting. Anthony was so worried about his personality being evaluated by others. Hence, he wished to project a perfect version of himself far apart from his true self. He accepts all his frailties and pronounces, ‘I am always imperfect at my Home.’ Anthony views life afresh with all his imperfections. He ascertains that home is the only place where people are loved and cared for selflessly, irrespective of the dramas they do daily to fit into society.
Rojin Thomas has succeeded in deciphering the diverse shades of human relations. The movie shares a boundless message with an outstanding climax. “#Home” is fundamentally a tale of acceptance. One must accept one’s family with its simplicity. The family members need not be extraordinary people or superhumans to feel proud of them. A person has to be accepted and acknowledged by the way they are. Home is the right place for that, and the renowned poet, Robert Frost’s quote remains true in this context: “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in” (Frost,1).
#Home (2021) is a must-watch for those who feel and sense the imperfectly perfect versions of their own selves at home.
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