Film Review: ‘What If’ directed by Yanghuixiao Gao
Rating: ★★★★☆
“What If,” directed by Yanghuixiao Gao, is an arresting cinematic work that ventures into the intricacies of the mother-daughter relationship, interwoven with the profound repercussions of fertility issues. Gao skillfully employs minimalism, symbolism, and a discerningly curated color palette to deliver an aesthetically mesmerizing short film.
The core of the narrative revolves around YILIN, a young Chinese woman whose life takes a transformative twist when she confronts a recurring gynecological condition jeopardizing her fertility. This pivotal revelation becomes the catalyst for a deeply emotional reunion during a poignant visit to her familial abode.
“What If” emerges as a poignant meditation on longing and remorse, epitomizing the yearning for the unattainable, a sentiment that resonates throughout the narrative. A poignant moment in the film sees YILIN cradling her childhood garments, a poignant symbol of her aspiration for motherhood despite her inability to conceive.
Yanghuixiao Gao adroitly employs a visual motif, prominently featuring the color green and recurring window frames, throughout the film. These elements transcend mere ornamentation, serving as potent symbols. The color green, laden with connotations of nature and fertility, reinforces the film’s thematic underpinnings. Windows, recurrently portrayed, encapsulate varying life perspectives. Nature, symbolized by elements such as trees and verdant landscapes, serves as a potent metaphor for fertility and growth, vividly evident in every frame. For instance, the image of a flourishing plant in the bathroom mirrors YILIN’s journey as she grapples with her infertility, relinquishing past regrets and “What Ifs” to nurture her own future.
In this meticulously crafted narrative milieu, pregnancy assumes a pivotal role, becoming a fundamental element that molds characters’ decisions. The film adeptly conveys the idea that the absence of the possibility of bearing children fundamentally alters notions of marriage and family planning.
At its core, “What If” is a brief yet profound conversation between a mother and daughter, a relationship seemingly marked by emotional distance. YILIN’s inability to conceive becomes a barrier to forming a connection with her own child, but paradoxically, it catalyzes a deeper exploration of her relationship with her mother.
While “What If” undeniably excels in its visual aesthetics, characterized by beautifully composed frames and exquisite lighting, there are moments when its visual splendor temporarily overshadows its narrative substance. Nevertheless, the film’s cinematography and lighting choices merit unequivocal commendation, making a substantial contribution to its overall impact.
