Watch I Can't Think Straight

Set against the backdrop of a traditional Indian family living in London, "I Can't Think Straight" is a ground-breaking romantic comedy-drama that explores the challenges of cultural and sexual identity. Directed by Shamim Sarif and adapted from her own novel, this 2008 film stars Lisa Ray as Tala, a Palestinian woman living in London who is about to get married to a wealthy Jordanian Palestinian, when she meets Leyla, played by Sheetal Sheth, her best friend's girlfriend.

On a business trip to Jordan, Tala meets Leyla, an Indian Muslim - an encounter which has an immediate impact on both of them. Leyla is beautiful, intelligent and self-assured, while Tala is unconventional and impulsive. Although they have very different personalities, they bond over a shared sense of feeling caught between two conflicting worlds, as they navigate the challenges of their respective cultural identities.

As Tala and Leyla spend more time together, they begin to develop feelings for each other that they both struggle to understand. Tala is confused by her sudden attraction to a woman, while Leyla tries to reconcile her own traditional family values with her desire for Tala. The two women must decide whether to act on their feelings and face the potential disapproval of their families and communities or to suppress their feelings for the sake of conformity.

As the film progresses, the two women grapple with the ramifications of their relationship for themselves and those around them, while also dealing with the complex intersections of race, religion, and culture. Tala's family has certain expectations of her, given her wealth and status, which she is determined to live up to, despite her growing feelings for Leyla. Leyla, on the other hand, is torn between the expectations of her family, who would prefer that she marry a Muslim man, and the possibility of creating a new, unconventional family with Tala.

"I Can't Think Straight" features nuanced, empathetic performances from its two leads, as they bring to life a complex, emotionally rich story. The film's exploration of forbidden desire, and the pressures of conformity from within one's own community, is a powerful testament to the importance of being true to oneself, even in the face of societal judgment.

In addition to its lead cast, the film features a strong supporting cast, including Antonia Frering as Tala's mother and Dalip Tahil as Leyla's father. The film's lush cinematography, provided by the award-winning David Johnson, provides a perfect backdrop for the story's emotional journey, while the soundtrack, which features a mix of Indian and Western music, adds to the film's vibrant and diverse tone.

Overall, "I Can't Think Straight" is a beautifully crafted film that explores the complexities of identity and desire, and the ways in which love can transcend societal norms and expectations. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersections of race, culture, and sexuality, and a poignant reminder of the power of love to challenge and change lives.

I Can't Think Straight is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.