Watch Kids' Reviews of
KNOT

Knot is a beautiful short film capturing the magic of childhood and exploring the ideas of hope, grief, family and reconciliation with reality. The actors' performances and the background music are particularly outstanding.

The storyline follows six-year-old Manish (Saarthak Arya), who is struggling to understand his mother's sudden death. Manish's family is too grief-stricken to discuss it with him, and he is left wondering when God will send her back. One day, Manish's friend Sunny (Tanish Moudgill) reveals that he can talk directly to God using a magic trick, giving Manish new hope that he can reunite his family.

The plot somewhat perplexed me. The first half of the film seems to be building to an emotional climax, but at the end of the film when Manish's balloon message fails, he doesn't even bat an eye. Manish's bond with his father (Ajeet Singh Palawat) strengthens suddenly and significantly at the end of the film, but we never see them discuss or mourn the loss of Manish's mother. To the viewer, it seems as though Manish simply steps into his new life without grieving or reflecting on the relationship that was supposed to be so strong. The film concludes on a high note, almost seeming to dismiss the life Manish once lived. I was deeply moved by Saarthak Arya's portrayal of Manish. At such a young age, he already demonstrates a keen understanding of complex emotions. He is able to act hopeful yet disappointed; innocent with a layer of wisdom and curiosity. He portrays longing for his mother without acting completely depressed or withdrawn, revealing that he is still holding out hope for her return. Manish represents the clash between the magic of imagination and harsh realities, and Arya executes both seamlessly. The camera work is clear, but there are no specific contributions worth mentioning. The background music is definitely worth mentioning. Quirky and up-tempo notes balance out heavier moments, such as Manish's balloon release, and ensure that the film does not depress its viewers. The film displays all aspects of grief and loss, not just the lowest points, and the music keeps it well-rounded. Abhay Praveen Gupta makes very impactful decisions as director, such as leaning into the symbolism of the balloon that Manish releases to contact God. The balloon itself represents childhood and innocence, and Manish finally letting it go up into the sky represents him accepting his new reality and embracing new hopes. My favorite part of the film is that it made me believe in magic once again, because as a viewer, I got to see the world from the eyes of a six-year-old boy. The film reassures viewers that just maybe, death isn't the end. It doesn't have to be something we deny or push away -- at least, in Manish's eyes, it is simply a transition to another world. It's a journey we are all inevitably going to take one day, so we might as well hope that there is more to be discovered. This is a greatly healing film that can restore grieving viewers' faith and guide them back to the sense of belief that life may have clouded.

The film's message is that some dreams are meant to be held onto, and others released. It is not an easy lesson to learn, especially as a child, but it is freeing once you let go of the past and choose to welcome the future and everything it may bring. The film is in Hindi (with English subtitles) and qualifies as multicultural.

I give Knot 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12.

Knot is a beautiful short film capturing the magic of childhood and exploring the ideas of hope, grief, family and reconciliation with reality. The actors' performances and the background music are particularly outstanding.

The storyline follows six-year-old Manish (Saarthak Arya), who is struggling to understand his mother's sudden death. Manish's family is too grief-stricken to discuss it with him, and he is left wondering when God will send her back. One day, Manish's friend Sunny (Tanish Moudgill) reveals that he can talk directly to God using a magic trick, giving Manish new hope that he can reunite his family.

The plot somewhat perplexed me. The first half of the film seems to be building to an emotional climax, but at the end of the film when Manish's balloon message fails, he doesn't even bat an eye. Manish's bond with his father (Ajeet Singh Palawat) strengthens suddenly and significantly at the end of the film, but we never see them discuss or mourn the loss of Manish's mother. To the viewer, it seems as though Manish simply steps into his new life without grieving or reflecting on the relationship that was supposed to be so strong. The film concludes on a high note, almost seeming to dismiss the life Manish once lived. I was deeply moved by Saarthak Arya's portrayal of Manish. At such a young age, he already demonstrates a keen understanding of complex emotions. He is able to act hopeful yet disappointed; innocent with a layer of wisdom and curiosity. He portrays longing for his mother without acting completely depressed or withdrawn, revealing that he is still holding out hope for her return. Manish represents the clash between the magic of imagination and harsh realities, and Arya executes both seamlessly. The camera work is clear, but there are no specific contributions worth mentioning. The background music is definitely worth mentioning. Quirky and up-tempo notes balance out heavier moments, such as Manish's balloon release, and ensure that the film does not depress its viewers. The film displays all aspects of grief and loss, not just the lowest points, and the music keeps it well-rounded. Abhay Praveen Gupta makes very impactful decisions as director, such as leaning into the symbolism of the balloon that Manish releases to contact God. The balloon itself represents childhood and innocence, and Manish finally letting it go up into the sky represents him accepting his new reality and embracing new hopes. My favorite part of the film is that it made me believe in magic once again, because as a viewer, I got to see the world from the eyes of a six-year-old boy. The film reassures viewers that just maybe, death isn't the end. It doesn't have to be something we deny or push away -- at least, in Manish's eyes, it is simply a transition to another world. It's a journey we are all inevitably going to take one day, so we might as well hope that there is more to be discovered. This is a greatly healing film that can restore grieving viewers' faith and guide them back to the sense of belief that life may have clouded.

The film's message is that some dreams are meant to be held onto, and others released. It is not an easy lesson to learn, especially as a child, but it is freeing once you let go of the past and choose to welcome the future and everything it may bring. The film is in Hindi (with English subtitles) and qualifies as multicultural.

I give Knot 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12.

Manish, a 6-year-old boy struggles to adapt to his mother's absence from his life. His mother has been dead for weeks and the family can't gather the courage to explain the real meaning of death to the little kid. Manish, however, is a strong-willed boy who believes his mother will return if he sets out to correct all the past mischiefs he has committed. He can't open up to his father Siddharth, who is unaware of Manish's endeavors and is grieving over the demise of his wife. Manish pins all his hopes on a secret magic trick - that he has learnt from his friend. With both father and son struggling with their respective loss, the only way the family can come together again is if the magic trick works. But, will it?