Review: The Practice (2023)

By Anuradha Kumari is a psychology graduate from Banaras Hindu University. She is a member of WICCI Karnataka Yoga Council's newsletter team. She also coordinates research for the NGO Prafull Oorja, focusing on sustainable yoga programs for vulnerable communities. 

Release: September 2023

Director: Martin Rejtman

Genre: Drama/Thriller

Duration: 1hr 35min

Overview

The Practice is a 2023 drama-comedy that skillfully examines the complexities of interpersonal relationships and the pursuit of personal fulfilment. Directed by well-known Argentinian filmmaker Martin Rejtman, renowned for his understated humor and minimalist aesthetic, provides a distinct touch that elevates it above other modern films in its genre.

The film revolves around two middle-aged men, Gustavo and Pablo, who are both at crossroads in their lives. Gustavo, an Argentinian yoga instructor in Chile, faces a series of personal and professional challenges after separating from his wife, Vanesa. His move to live with his sister Macarena and her husband Felipe, who constantly criticise him, sets the stage for much of the film's tension and dark humor. Pablo, on the other hand, is dissatisfied with his monotonous job and seeks fulfilment by rekindling his passion for music.

Rejtman’s narrative is marked by a blend of unpredictability and realism. The earthquake that causes a folding screen to fall on Gustavo's client Steffi, leading to her memory loss and potential legal proceedings, is a prime example. This event encapsulates the unpredictability of life, while also serving as a catalyst for Gustavo's escalating troubles.

The sharp dialogues and aesthetic cinematography engaged me throughout the movie.  Gustavo and Pablo, although suffering through different difficulties in life, cross  paths in their own pursuits for self-discovery. It also depicts human nature of combating personal challenges with humour and finding solace in camaraderie. I label this movie as a must watch for anyone who is interested in exploring self-expression.  

Elements of Yoga

As someone who is always eager to learn and highly observant, I found The Practice (2023) to be a captivating exploration of life's intricacies through the prism of yoga. The film intertwines the physical and meditative aspects of yoga into the protagonist Gustavo's journey. The narrative is enriched with moments of tension release and reflection, beautifully rendered through it’s cinematography and a seamless fusion of music and performance. I find this movie to be a very unique portrayal of yoga as both a practice and a metaphor for resilience and self-discovery, offering deep insights into achieving inner peace in today's world. 

As someone like me who is just beginning her professional journey, I relate very deeply to both Gustavo and Pablo on their quests for self-discovery. This film urged me to dive deeper into understanding the importance of choosing a right career path that allows space for self-expression. This film has taught me the importance of connecting with myself on a spiritual level, with yoga providing the path. It encourages me to listen to my inner voice, not take my mental state or passions for granted, and incorporate yoga into my daily life to achieve balance and harmony.

I also felt that it deeply resonates with yoga enthusiasts. Early in the film, Gustavo is often seen in Tadasana (Mountain Pose), reflecting his quest for stability and grounding amidst the chaos of his life. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog) frequently appears in the yoga sequences, symbolising moments of tension release and relaxation.

I also appreciate the repetitive uses of other asana practices in very apt ways. The Warrior poses in the movie showcase Gustavo's resilience and his efforts to face and overcome life's challenges. During times of emotional turmoil, Gustavo retreats into Balasana (Child’s Pose), a moment of relaxation and introspection. Vrksasana (Tree Pose) represents his attempt to maintain balance in his life, while Savasana (Corpse Pose) at the end of his sessions symbolises brief escapes and moments of tranquillity. Lotus Pose (Padmasana) is depicted beautifully, highlighting its meditative essence. The cinematography captures the poses and hand movements with a thoughtful colour theme, blending yoga with cinema in a unique way that emphasises its importance in contemporary life. 

However, the movie may not appeal to those who prefer fast-paced films, as it becomes predictable after a while. Yoga enthusiasts, beginners, and those rekindling with a long-lost passion will appreciate Gustavo's well-developed character arc, though some supporting characters come off as one-dimensional. Overall, it’s a great one-time watch with excellent cinematography and dialogue delivery, though it could benefit from more dynamic elements to engage a broader audience.

Director Martin Rejtman's enthusiasm for yoga shines through, illustrating how professional and busy lives often invade our personal space for self-reflection. This film compels us to ponder our lives and ask ourselves how we are truly doing. The acting resonates perfectly with the music, creating a harmonious experience. These asanas, while fundamental to yoga practice, serve as metaphors for Gustavo's various stages and struggles. The physical practice of yoga not only highlights the importance of health and well-being but also underscores the film's broader themes of balance, resilience, and the continuous journey towards self-discovery and inner peace.

Characters

Gustavo (Esteban Bigliardi)

Argentinian yoga instructor dealing with mild depression and separated from his wife. In addition, he goes through more troubles. He often provides comic relief with his witty remarks and unconventional approaches to learning music. He is a quirky, enthusiastic man who adds humour and depth to the group. Searching inner peace, he pushes himself towards self-discovery and personal growth.

Pablo (Gabriel Canas)

Middle-aged man, dissatisfied with his monotonous job, rejuvenates with his long-life passion for music. 

Vanesa (Manuela Oyarzun)

Gustavo’s ex-wife, yoga instructor, separated from Gustavo, yet continues to take therapy sessions with him which exacerbates their situation furthermore. 

Macarena (Maria Siebald)

Gustavo’s sister lets Gustavo stay at her place. She is often seen criticizing Gustavo along with her husband and mother, adding to Gustavo’s struggles.

Felipe (Elvis Fuentes)

Husband to Macarena

Steffi (Celine Wempe)

Gustavo’s German client who suffers from memory loss 

The Therapist (Catalina Saavedra)

She councils Gustavo and Vanesa. She is seen as unempathetic of their problems and worsens things between them.

 Ana (Rosario Blefari)

She is the eccentric and warm-hearted instructor at the music school that Pablo joins.

Production Companies: Rosa Filmes, Forastero, Pandora Filmproduktion, La Unión de los Ríos

Cinematography: Hugo Azevedo

Editing: Federico Rotstein

Music: Santiago Motorizado