Solus

Short version

An insecure man reflects on his failed relationship, blaming it on his partner’s addiction to false narratives and lifestyles promoted by social media. But as he descends into a drunken stupor, he realises his own memories of their romance may not be totally accurate, and he may be more to blame than he initially realises.

Brief version

Cobb has recently split up with his girlfriend Sara and tries to numb himself from the pain of heartbreak by drowning himself in alcohol, pornography, and dating apps. But none of these momentary distractions can take his mind away from Sara and the mysterious reasons behind the dissolution of their romance.

He remembers their first meeting when he accidentally bumped into Sara on the street. At first glance, they are opposites. Cobb is a traditionalist, preferring handwritten letters, reading newspapers, and walks in the park. Meanwhile, Sara lives for the new and is constantly glued to her smartphone as it provides an escape from an upbringing in a conservative Tamil family. Nevertheless, the two spark a connection in spite of their contrary viewpoints.

Soon Cobb and Sara’s connection blossoms into a full-fledged romance. They open themselves up to their opposite lifestyles. Sara gifts Cobb a tablet to ease him into the world of technology, while Cobb introduces her to old-fashioned afternoon city strolls. It’s all going well and Cobb even meets Sara’s father, but it soon comes undone. Cobb’s jealousy takes over. He suspects Sara’s looking at other men and becomes frustrated that she’s always on her phone. He sees her starting a friendship on social media with someone named Kamal, who’s been sharing her the same Tamil love song she’s been playing on repeat. An angry Cobb confronts her in the restaurant with Kamal and Sara ends their relationship.

But as Cobb drinks himself into oblivion he realises she may not have been totally to blame, and that his memories of their relationship may not be the truth. Cobb sends an apology to Sara in Tamil as he tries to turn around his life. Now he’s given up the illusion of perfection. Now he’s ready to accept his flaws. One night, as Cobb begins another letter to Sara, someone knocks on his door. He opens his door and smiles.