Rooted – Movie Review & Ending Explained

Wu is a young acupuncturist who works at his father's clinic. He uses traditional Chinese medicine to heal the body. However, he is still in training to become a professional practitioner. His dad handles most tasks when dealing with patients. Wu is only responsible for assisting him with the less essential duties. Wu's father is also a strict parent with traditional beliefs. He believes his child should focus on studying instead of dating. Wu doesn't tell him about his attraction to men.

In his free time, Wu likes hanging out at the beach. One day, he almost drowns while swimming in the ocean. Fortunately, a lifeguard comes to his rescue. Wu is safe and suffers no injuries. Afterwards, Wu observes the lifeguard from a distance. He develops a secret crush on his saviour. Later, the lifeguard visits Wu's clinic for an acupuncture appointment. He recognizes Wu and calls him "the drowning guy".

Wu experiences a sexual awakening. He starts fantasizing about the lifeguard. In his memories, he recalls their bodies touching during the beach rescue. These thoughts arouse him more than he cares to admit. However, Wu tries to repress his desires. He meditates and recites medical passages about the human body, hoping to mitigate the eroticism.

Rooted is a gay movie without romance. The protagonist becomes lovestruck with the lifeguard who saved his life. However, the emphasis is on his self-discovery journey rather than a relationship. The plot highlights his introspection as he struggles with his attraction. He fantasizes about his crush and overthinks all their platonic interactions. Yet, there are no kisses or hookups between them. Rooted won't interest viewers looking for an overt love story. Adjust your expectations before watching this film.

Wu feels aroused after meeting the lifeguard. Yet, he represses these desires and recites clinical terms to deny his lust. The story connects its narrative themes to healing practices like acupuncture and cupping therapy, which remove blockages in the body. Likewise, Wu wants to release the emotional and psychological tensions within himself. This movie takes a unique approach to depicting Wu's sexual awakening. You don't typically associate traditional Chinese medicine with sexuality. Rooted defies expectations and finds an unconventional way to explore the topics.

Rooted contains many metaphors. The filmmaker has embedded subtle messages into every scene, inviting viewers to decipher the cryptic imagery. From ambiguous facial expressions to close-up shots of random objects, this movie demands critical analysis. Some viewers will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each motif. Others may feel turned off by the abstract ideas. There's too much to interpret for a half-hour short film. Symbolism makes a story more meaningful, but it also increases the complexity. Rooted risks alienating its audience with excessive intricacy.

Although I was never bored, Rooted seems slow and uneventful. The most exciting moment is when Wu gets rescued in the beginning. Otherwise, not much happens in the plot. Wu's inner turmoil unfolds quietly and mundanely. His interactions with the lifeguard are also mild-mannered. It doesn't help that some scenes feel similar and reiterate the same points. Early on, the movie already established Wu is secretly smitten with his love interest. Yet, it keeps elaborating on his infatuation without adding new context. The narrative goes in circles instead of moving forward.

In the movie's final stretch, Wu and the lifeguard meet on the beach at night. As they chat intimately, you can feel the sexual tension in the atmosphere. The whole narrative has been building up to this moment. After waiting so long, you almost anticipate something to happen between the leads. Is Wu going to confess? How will the lifeguard respond? When are they going to kiss? Sadly, don't get your hopes up. This film had an opportunity for a thrilling climax, but it chose a quiet conclusion with subdued emotions. The lack of a satisfying payoff feels like a letdown.

After overcoming my disappointment, I rewatched the last scene and gained a newfound appreciation. The conclusion is meaningful in an understated way. Wu may not have a lover, but he becomes enlightened and learns a valuable lesson about himself. As the story celebrates Wu's empowerment, his self-discovery journey finishes triumphantly. The sophisticated ending makes me more receptive to the movie, raising my opinion. Despite its thoughtfulness, I wasn't moved or entertained during my viewing experience. Overall, Rooted is a mediocre short film.