I found a cinematic gem last week and couldn’t wait to tell you about it!
The 40-Year-Old Version is a poignant exploration of identity, creativity and the pursuit of artistic integrity.
Directed by the talented Radha Blank, who also stars, this film offers a raw and authentic portrayal of a middle-aged woman grappling with the realities of her life while reclaiming her passion for hip-hop.
Shot in black and white, almost entirely on Kodak Double X film, like Manhattan and Raging Bull, the aesthetic of the movie will make you fall in love with cinema again.
Cinematographer Eric Branco said he “wanted the movie to have a ‘time out of time’ feel”.
Set in New York City, the film follows the journey of Radha, a once-promising playwright who finds herself at a crossroads in her career and personal life as she approaches her 40th birthday.
Faced with growing pressure to compromise her artistic vision for commercial success, Radha embarks on a risky and unconventional path to reinvent herself as a rapper.
What sets The 40-Year-Old Version apart is its brutal honesty and biting humour, delivered through Blank’s sharp wit.
As she navigates the competitive world of underground hip-hop, Radha confronts her insecurities and challenges societal expectations of age, race and gender.
The movie seems like a documentary at times, as it perfectly balances humour and genuine emotional depth, resulting in a deeply relatable narrative.
Through her dynamic direction and evocative use of music, Blank captures the pulse and energy of New York City, infusing the film with a palpable sense of authenticity and urgency.
The film’s success is centred on Blank’s outstanding performance as Radha, an equally vulnerable and resilient character. Her presence and humour anchor the story, inviting the audience into her world to share her triumphs and setbacks.
The 40-Year-Old Version is a celebration of artists everywhere to stay true to themselves and their vision, no matter their obstacles. If you’re looking for a movie that brilliantly blends humour, heart and hip-hop, this is for you.
The 40-Year-Old Version is a comedy/drama rated R and is available on Netflix.