Film Summary"The Intended", directed by Kristian Levring and co-written with Janet McTeer, is a 2002 indie period drama. Set in 1924, the story revolves around a mismatched couple, Jay (Brendan Mackey) and Sarah (Janet McTeer) who deal with trials and tribulations during their journey into the heart of a Malaysian jungle searching for fortune, only to be embroiled in a series of misfortune and treacherous plots.
Main PlotThe movie begins with a woman getting to a remote Catholic objective, struggling and with a tale to inform. The woman is recognized as Sarah Morris, an older female who, in a series of flashbacks, narrates her past to Father Fenby. She informs the story of her more youthful self (McTeer) who, along with her fiancé Jay (Mackey), leaves the civilized world to look for diamonds with the hope of succeeding.
Once they reach the destination, a remote trading post, they fulfill a curious group of inhabitants consisting of the owner, Mrs. Jones (Olympia Dukakis), her boy William (Tony Maudsley), Hamish (JJ Feild), and Erina (Brenda Fricker). As an engineer, Jay's role is to offer electrical energy to the camp and together with, search for a prospective diamond mine. Sarah, with her captivating and advanced personality, immediately ends up being the center of destination, stirring envy and desire amongst the camp's residents.
Twist and TurnsAn unforeseen mishap leaves Jay paralyzed, letting Sarah deal with the force of the group's animosity and self-centered desires. She becomes an object of lust for Mrs. Jones's boy William, and her refusal to submit worsens the circumstance. Mrs. Jones, driven by greed, tries pressurizing Sarah into marrying William so that her boy can acquire metropolitan residential or commercial property that belongs to Sarah. Amidst this, Sarah discovers her pregnancy, escalating the tension.
At the same time, the burgeoning passion between Sarah and the younger Hamish ends up being a subplot contributing to the drama and tension. However, the love triangle rapidly changes into a fatal video game when jealousy and betrayal enter into play.
Climax and ConclusionAs the plot thickens, the film takes a darker turn. Driven by jealousy, William murders Hamish, making it appear like a mishap. Sarah, devastated and under threat, plays together with Mrs. Jones's strategy, consenting to marry William. But the wedding is violently interrupted by Jay, who, in his cruel rage, winds up eliminating Mrs. Jones and William, signaling their misfortune's end.
The ravaged couple, ruined by the events, decide to abandon their unfulfilled dreams and flee, however Sarah delivers a stillborn, adding to their suffering. Lastly, they desert the camp leaving just death and anguish. Sarah's narration to Father Fenby reviews their experience questioning the cost of their aspiration and the scaries they endured.
General Review"The Intended" is a traumatic narrative of human desires, betrayal, and the corrosive power of greed. With its sensational cinematography and extreme efficiencies, especially by Janet McTeer, the film manages to leave a long lasting impact. Nevertheless, the unclear endings and the non-linear timeline may be challenging for some audiences. It's a moving story of survival that demands audiences' complete attention, depicting a brilliant photo of battle and anguish.
Top Cast
