ReviewPavane for an Infant movie review: Fish Liew in absorbing Malaysian ‘baby hatch’ drama
Fish Liew and Natalie Hsu star in Chong Keat Aun’s film about a centre for abandoned babies in Malaysia that draws violent criticism
3/5 stars
By turns absorbing and unsatisfying, Malaysian drama Pavane for an Infant throws a spotlight on a thankless vocation in dire need of compassionate support, but does so at the expense of a propulsive narrative upon which to hang its pointed observations.
Amid this vibrant, multicultural society, the services of this facility – where babies can be anonymously left – are in constant demand, but they also draw ire and violent criticism from some sectors who condemn their work as amoral and in direct violation of religious traditions.
Chong’s new film reinforces his intention to dissect his nation’s complex identity, where Muslims, Christians, Hindus and a variety of indigenous groups wrestle to live together harmoniously.