Director Mazhar Moin’s ‘Plum Cake‘ is a finely tuned short film that pierces through cultural norms with quiet defiance. Set in Pakistan, this Urdu-English story examines the tangled threads of family, faith, and forbidden love with an intimacy that feels raw and unflinching. The 18-minute drama is written by Shah Yasir.
At the center of the story is Rosie, played by Fouzia Nasir Ahmad. She’s the overbearing yet endearing mother, tirelessly attempting to find the perfect bride for her only son, Robert (Hamza Abassi). What she doesn’t know – or perhaps refuses to see – is that Robert’s best friend, Usman (Ahmed Khan Bhatti), is much more than just that.
The acting is remarkable across the board. Ahmad’s portrayal of Rosie is as tender as it is infuriating, embodying a love that suffocates even as it tries to foster. Abassi plays Robert with restraint, allowing his internal struggle to speak louder than words, while Bhatti’s Usman exudes quiet strength, making his presence undeniably felt even in the simplest of moments.
Visually, the film is an absolute treat. From its quality color grading to its smooth camera movements, the production quality is on par with most TV soap-operas. The beauty of the film’s aesthetic sharply contrasts with the tensions simmering beneath its surface – Robert’s secret sexuality, the weight of tradition, and the unyielding expectations of a Christian family in Pakistan.
At its core, ;Plum Cake’ is about a mother discovering the truth about her son’s sexuality and grieving the loss of the future she had imagined for him. It’s a poignant reflection on how love – both parental and romantic – can collide with expectation, leaving space for heartbreak, understanding, and, perhaps, acceptance. A worthwhile watch.
