Review – I Can’t Think Straight
Apr 14th, 2009 | By HAL | Category: MoviesShamim Sarif has proven herself to be a bit of a renaissance woman, an award-winning novelist, songwriter, children’s-book writer, screenwriter and director, she was the recipient of AfterEllen’s International Lesbian/Bi Woman of the Year award last year. Now, finally in Ireland we can enjoy the first of her directorial outings, I Can’t Think Straight.
Set in contemporary London, this is the story of shy novelist-wannabe, Leyla. Surrounded by a loving, effervescent Indian family, Leyia is trying to figure out how to live her life when she meets Tala. On the surface it seems the two women couldn’t be more different. Tala, a Jordanian, is out-going, out-spoken, playful and successful. She is also just about to marry in a ceremony of Bollywood proportions.
The two become friends and then lovers, each introducing a different world to the other. For Leyla, Tala is a glimpse of what seems to be strength personified. She sees Tala as a woman striving for what she wants in a world pushing her to a different destination.
It’s ironic, then, that it turns out Tala has a secret. She is afraid. She cannot be her true self, she can’t even contemplate living the life offered to her by Leyla and is terrified of going for the one thing she wants in her life – love. It’s Leyla who, it turns out, is the stronger of the two. She loves Tala and, in doing so, discovers both who she is and the strength to be that person.
I Can’t Think Straight has layers of emotion, perfectly played by the leads. Lisa Ray is all raw sexuality and exudes self-confidence as Tala, eventually crumbling under the power of real love. Sheetal Sheth is a revelation, however, she plays the good girl Leyla slowly developing a spine of steel as the film progesses. The heat between the characters is palpable but it is the vulnerability in the face of love which resonates long after the film ends.
As with Sarif’s books, the main protagonists are surrounded by memorable characters. The couple’s parents are wonderful; warm, confused, caught in their own world’s and their expectations for their daughters. The fathers are especially gentle, wanting nothing more than happiness for their daughters.
I Can’t Think Straight is a smart and sexy but it is also a funny, tender film which will have you laughing and thinking in equal measure. Make sure not to miss it.
I Can’t Think Straight IMBD page
Offical website
North America website
Available from May 4 on play.com
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[...] Posted: Apr 14, 2009 (GMT 0) Collection of Shalwar Suits Model Name: FIZA ESTERNOOR View Full Review – I Can’t Think Straight – gaelick.com 04/14/2009 Shamim Sarif has proven herself to be a bit of a renaissance woman, an [...]
I like your review of I can’t think straight. The movie got a lot of flack in the press. Probably because Shamim released The world unseen at the same time and that was exceptional [ Trailer at The World Unseen Trailer ]
And it is understandable that 2 movies in the lesbian genre coming out at the same time by the same directory is going to give cause for comparisons
I liked I can’t think straight. A light hearted and interesting movie
I agree with Mofole, for years we are giving out about lesbian films being depressing, not telling a real story, or Hollywood’s portrayal of us as pure eye candy in your average car movie.
This is a feelgood lesbian movie with two amazing actresses, who have chemisty in spades, and a fab soundtrack. What more could you ask for! Cannot wait to purchase the dvd, a must for any lesbian movie collection
I totally agree Mofole, The World Unseen is exceptional and it’s unfair, albeit understandable, to conpare the two.
That’s why I reviewed I Can’t Think Straight before The World Unseen, to give it its moment in the sun.
Also, Shelly, spot on! I am so sick and tired of Woe is Me lesbian films that we all feel we have to see and pretend to enjoy just because we’re so starved of lesbians on the screen. A good movie, a good story, great acting? Yes please!
[...] two come out at the same time. It’s impossible to review The World Unseen without mentioning I Can’t Think Straight. Both films were directed by Shamim Sarif and star Lisa Ray (left) and Sheetal Sheth. It’s [...]
[...] win a copy of the film I Can’t Think Straight (review): How many times has Tala been [...]
Great review, I just love the movie. I got the DVD as well
We are really honored with the feedback we are receiving around the world. Thank you all for your support and love.
I’m really impressed with the movie and I’m becoming a big fan of yours. Please let me know how can I get the DVD for both the movies.
Hey I just bought the DVD’s and got some special bonus features with I can’t think straight DVD in just £11.99 + P&P
I watched this one last night – loved it. Was much better than I thought it was going to be to be honest.
I watched “The World Unseen” only three days ago and it was a bit weird seeing the same actors again but it just shows you how good they are that after 10 mins I was totally sucked in.
Great film