Watch The Pyramid Texts

The Pyramid Texts, released in 2015, is a British independent film directed by Ludwig Shammasian and Paul Shammasian. The movie stars James Cosmo in the lead role, with Ethan Cosmo playing a supporting character. The Pyramid Texts is a sparse and introspective character study that explores themes of grief, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The story is centered around a retired boxer named Ray (James Cosmo), who is grappling with the recent loss of his wife. The film takes place entirely in a single location, a small boxing gym where Ray spends most of his days training and contemplating his life.

The movie is shot entirely in black and white, which gives it a timeless and classic feel. The dialogues are sparse and meditative, allowing the audience to experience the story through the evocative imagery and the nuanced performances of the actors. The scenes are shot with a visceral and raw energy that immerses the viewer in the world of the film.

James Cosmo delivers a powerful performance as Ray, imbuing the character with a sense of weariness and vulnerability. Throughout the movie, we see Ray struggle with grief and depression, attempting to find meaning and purpose in his life without his wife. Ethan Cosmo, who plays a young boxer named Mohammed, is also excellent in his role, bringing a youthful energy and aggression that contrasts with Ray's more contemplative nature.

The movie is structured around three boxing sessions that Ray has with Mohammed, representing different stages of his grief journey. These scenes are some of the most visually stunning and emotionally impactful in the movie, as we see Ray physically and emotionally grappling with his pain in the boxing ring. The relationship between Ray and Mohammed also evolves throughout the film, as the young boxer becomes a sort of surrogate son for Ray, highlighting the importance of human connection in times of distress.

In addition to the themes of grief and loss, The Pyramid Texts also explores issues of masculinity and fatherhood. Ray's troubled relationship with his own father is hinted at throughout the movie, giving context to his own struggles with being a good father to his own children. The film also touches on issues of race and immigration, as we see how Mohammed's status as a Muslim immigrant affects his relationship with the largely white boxing community.

Overall, The Pyramid Texts is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a deep and nuanced exploration of the human experience. The filmmakers do an excellent job of using the language of cinema to convey the complex emotions and ideas at the heart of the story. The film's minimalist approach and steadfast commitment to its themes may not be for everyone, but for those who are willing to engage with it on its own terms, it has the power to be a deeply affecting cinematic experience.

The Pyramid Texts is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.