Fractured Realities in ‘‘My Shards’’ by Irina Ciubotariu

In ''My Shards'', Irina Ciubotariu creates a portrait of a fractured mind, immersing viewers in the raw, unsettling experience of living with schizophrenia.

The film follows a man tormented by schizophrenia, his mind constructing an ensemble of imaginary friends who fill his home and his days with conversation. While he’s prescribed medication, his refusal to take it leads to an escalating series of hallucinations, blurring the line between reality and delusion. The result is a narrative that’s as gripping as it is heartbreaking, making viewers question their own perceptions of what is real.

The atmosphere is nothing short of masterful. Ciubotariu employs tight framing and muted, moody lighting to create an air of claustrophobia, pulling the viewer into the protagonist's isolated world. The performances elevate the material further, with the lead actor delivering a hauntingly authentic portrayal of someone teetering on the brink of lucidity. Without veering into melodrama, the script underscores the importance of understanding mental health conditions.

Though My Shards thrives in many areas, there’s room for refinement. The pacing occasionally drags, particularly in the middle acts, which could have benefited from tighter editing or additional narrative momentum. The sound design, while serviceable, misses an opportunity to heighten the film’s tension with sharper, more jarring metallic tones elements that could have amplified the protagonist’s inner turmoil.

Additionally, while the twist at the end is impactful, it feels slightly abrupt. A few more subtle directorial hints props, lighting shifts, or symbolic clues could enhance the payoff, inviting the audience to piece together the truth alongside the protagonist.

My Shards is a jagged mosaic of the human psyche, piecing together moments of anguish, connection, and self-discovery into a film that cuts deep. Though its edges could be smoother, its raw, authentic core gleams brightly.