The awaited Bus 338 homecoming was met with pomp and cinephile curiosity. Did this unique story concept stand out? Let’s dissect.
Strong character build-up lays the foundation for the tension to come with compelling performances, one that stood out to me being that of Bilal Mwaura as Jomo. Composure and cofusion, keeping the balance between the two as he comforts his partner in crime Blackie played by Godfrey Ojiambo sets in motion the fatal ‘snap’.
The cinematography projects a clear atmosphere of our beloved city; the bustling G.P.O. and the beautiful hills kule mashinani.
Major events happen in a confined space, many a film of this nature might lag in pacing but props to the writers and editor, as character backstories give space to breathe and give context to actions and interactions made in confinement.
Questions however arise in an attempt to validate key events, for instance; eventhough straight out of committing a crime, and discretion is paramount, why not take Blackie to the hospital? What is the reason to take such a trip to Mombasa, on a bus with a man on the brink of death?
In addition, the performances that started off as subtle but gripping descend to theatrics not aided by the sinking quality in writing with character fatalities not striking any emotional chords at a point.
In an attempt to synchronize with the tension, the score ends up overlapping with some of the dialogue, let alone not being versatile with the change in tone from scene to scene.
Bus 338; a unique concept, with much potential to be a cinematic stand-out.
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