Accused – Review

The online technological world is on full display in the thriller Accused. London based Harri Bhavsar (Kular) makes typical posts to social media about feeling good, staying stress free and showing pictures of his travels and activities. His girl Chloe (Ajufo) helps maintain his happiness, however Bhavsar has kept her away from his parents so far. He will tell them soon, he promises.

He hits the train to go out to visit his parent’s home, and on the journey his phone notifications blow up with breaking news updates, along with most everyone else’s: an explosion was reported at Central London station. Not much is known yet, and there could be casualties. The passengers are put on edge, especially the ones like Harri which just left that junction. They send texts to loved ones to make sure they are okay, and confirm their own well-being.

Chloe phones Harri, and they discuss logistics and news tidbits. As Harri makes it to his stop, his father Ramesh (Ganatra) welcomes him, happy he is safe. They drive home to the family house in the country, where Harri’s mother Isha (Aalia) embraces him. They are all on edge over how close to Harri the explosion was, and if he was late that day, he could have been one of the now confirmed deaths. Yikes.

As police urge witnesses to come forward, Harri’s life is thrown into disarray as he is profiled and called out as a possible suspect. Harri being a Pakistani in England means race will sometimes play into his daily life, and there is an elevated challenge to just exist. When confused with a bombing suspect, his life goes completely off the rails. As misinformation and hate spreads online over the bombing, the angry citizens of London are looking for their vengeance. This feeling is no different than anywhere else in the world that is hit with terrorism, and this story could play out the same way in most countries.

Accused deals with race and technology issues, as well as fear and angry reactions. It is delicately told, and feels very realistic. It is a short film which zooms through its progressions, and does not belabor its points, especially considering it is very clear what the message is throughout. Harri is a sympathetic young man, and to see this story plays out makes it a tough watch, yet quite important in the modern times we live in.

This script could have been forced and over the top, but instead it is deliberate and practical. Its use of social media is spot on, especially as jumping the gun often comes into play online in times of stress. The tension created is palpable, and it elicits a strong response with its basic story. The small cast play their roles well, and give credence to the story with their genuine reactions. While it is not a story many will enjoy, Accused is a well-done and uncomfortable feature and has a decent message.