Hansley Ajodha's Infidelity: A Riveting Hitchcockian Thriller

redmangoreviews

April 13

Julien Neaves, Caribbean Head Writer

Plot: A man plots to murder his unfaithful wife.

Background: Trinidad and Tobago thriller Infidelity was written and directed by veteran of stage and screen Hansley Ajodha (No Boundaries, Flight of the Ibis, Sally's Way) and produced by his company Golden Eye Productions. It was inspired by the 1952 stage play Dial M for Murder by Frederick Knott, which was adapted by Alfred Hitchcock into a 1954 film. Ajodha said in an interview the play "doesn't resemble my film in any way. But I was inspired by the plotline of the key and the mystery surrounding the key. But I took off in a different direction with the entire piece." The cast includes veteran actors Dinesh Maharaj and Errol "Blood" Roberts and radio personality and singer Kavita Maharajh.

Me? I'm just here chillin' like a villain

The best part of Infidelity (the film, not the behaviour; ain't nothing good about adultery folks) is the story. It begins with the basic premise of a man plotting to kill his cheating wife but then goes in many unexpected directions. Ajodha does an impressive job of weaving a twisty narrative that grips the viewer's attention from start to finish.

As a seasoned film reviewer and viewer, I can pretty much size up the entire plot of a film from just the trailer and I am very rarely wrong. But I had no idea where the story of Infidelity was going and that was quite refreshing. That is a rare find especially with Hollywood films, and to have that in a local movie is pretty dang impressive.

And for the last time, does the colour of this shirt wash me out?

The film's performances are very solid. Dinesh Maharaj is the standout as the conniving, Machiavellian husband and Errol "Blood" Roberts shows his quality as the determined inspector. Kavita Maharajh made her film debut in Infidelity and she does well as a first time actress. Ajodha also makes a brief cameo, which is very Hitchcock of him.

The film was shot in various locations across Trinidad and does a commendable job of showcasing the beauty and variety of the island. A beauty that provides a stark contrast to the dark dealings afoot in this strongly plotted thriller.

Suck her blood? I don't even know her!

Ajodha in the above-mentioned interview said he will be staying in the thriller genre for his other productions. And if the strength of Infidelity is any indication, both local and international audiences are in for some very thrilling films.

Editor Jules' Score: 7 out of 10

And you can check out more Trinidad and Tobago thriller reviews from Robot Mango Reviews below:

Julien "Editor Jules" Neaves is a TARDIS-flying, Force-using Trekkie whose bedroom stories were by the Cryptkeeper, learned to be a superhero from Marvel, but dreams of being Batman. I love promoting Caribbean film (Cariwood), creating board games and I am an aspiring author. I say things like "13 flavours of awesome sauce". Read more.