Darlings
2022 · Directed by Jasmeet K Reen
Original language: Hindi
- comedy
The story
Badru hopes her volatile husband will reform if he stops drinking. But when his rage goes too far, she and her mom boldly, albeit clumsily, seek revenge.
What it’s like
Cramped Mumbai rooms lit by warm tungsten lamps and the flat white glare of a kitchen tube light, with the camera hovering close to its characters so every wince and eye-roll lands. The palette leans on mustard yellows, faded saris and bruised purples, and the city's noise (traffic horns, neighbours' radios, pressure-cooker whistles) fills the space between scenes. The score is light and playful, with bouncy percussion that undercuts the grim material. The rhythm is brisk and tonally unstable, shifting from sly domestic comedy to sudden, uncomfortable darkness and back again. Its central relationship, between a mother and daughter who are cornered and clumsy about fighting back, is the warm spine of the film. The story follows a woman living with a volatile, abusive husband, so expect domestic violence, scenes of physical cruelty and some blood, and a few grisly, darkly comic moments that are more about the mess than gore. Sexual content is minimal. It is not a gentle watch, but it is funny, sharp and ultimately defiant. It suits a night in with company, for viewers who enjoy black comedy that doesn't flinch from ugly realities, and for anyone drawn to stories of women turning the tables.
More films like Darlings
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Darlingsand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
