Paper Flowers (2024) Film Review
Paper Flowers, Mahesh Pailoor‘s endearing depiction of Shalin Shah’s last days, complies with just about every rule in the book. The dos and don’ts of drama are perfectly checked in the formulaic film, which will hit a nerve with some people, while others may feel unable to connect with its story. In that vast territory that divides genres, Paper Flowers has its place, and questioning it means fighting the basics of a genre that’s meant to be fluid for the sake of the story.
I liked Paper Flowers. It convinced me of its sugarcoated structure that works in presenting something positive out of its tragedy. Considering the themes it portrays, it is also a film that can be accused of being too innocent and light. But is that actually a problem? Death is inevitable, the world is unfair, and life is too fragile. At least Paper Flowers doesn’t manipulate things to deliver its central message about paying it forward to our peers and the power of true love amid chaos. Yet again, it’s a movie, and creative liberties are acceptable.
Paper Flowers tells the story of Shalin Shah, a young USC graduate who decides to volunteer for the Peace Corps, leaving his family and girlfriend to offer his help to those who need it. The trip doesn’t take long, as a routine medical check-up reveals a grim future for Shalin. When he comes back to the United States, a cancer diagnosis changes his plans. Recovery is uncertain for the young and kind man.
Shalin’s relationship is taboo-ish for his family, whose values are solid and conservative when it comes to mixing cultures. However, facing the crossroads of mortality, Shalin manages to convince everyone that there are far worse problems than the inability to communicate with one another. His last days on this earth become an impactful journey that changes the perspective of those around him.
Yes, the plot resembles a Hallmark story, and the only sin of Paper Flowers is being unable to be different from its peers. Nevertheless, it’s how these films work, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Performances are very good and aren’t exactly excessive, considering the tragedy element present in the film. Pailoor does a great job of restricting what could result in a lack of balance and excess drama.
Where the film jumps ahead of its own structural core is in its third act. Paper Flowers burns off its resources in the first 30 minutes, and many would wonder how it can take off from its most important announcement. It does its best to present a realistic version of the events that transpired in real life, but it provides insight into what Shah’s passing represented for his family and those close to him. Death taught him something, and he decided to extend this lesson to the world. Paper Flowers has a compelling conclusion based on his decision.
Where I connected with Paper Flowers was during its most personal moments. Shalin and Olivia’s relationship was engaging and believable. It provided a realistic look into its shifting dynamics after Shalin’s diagnosis, and most importantly, it convinced me that true love can overcome any obstacle. I won’t say I shed a few tears because I didn’t, but it made me gasp for air at some moments.
You mentioned, “Yet again, it’s a movie, and creative liberties are acceptable.” However, I can assure you that 95% of the story, characters, and scenes are authentic. I can say this with confidence because I have personally witnessed the real events and know the characters involved.