Darlings - scorpion sting

Darlings

2022, Hindu

Director - Jasmeet K. Reen

Alia Bhatt...Badru

Shefali Shah...Samsung

Roshan Mathew...Zulfi

Vijay Varma...Hamza

Rajesh Sharma...Kasim

Mohan's Measure ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The South Asian subcontinent is home to some of last classical civilizations on earth; civilizations which once paid homage to the Goddess, and saw ever woman as being a spark of Her. It seems, however, that men have found reason to be influenced by other faiths. 

It seems little coincidence that Darlings has released on the first Friday of the lunar month of Srāvana, the day that most devout Hindus worship the Beloved Mother Lakshmi for Her Blessings. For it is Her Blessings alone which perhaps can change what this film suggests is the inevitable nature of some men. 

Mr. Verma plays Harza with precision. He is a man claiming to be deeply in love with his life, claiming his violent nature is due to his obsession with alcohol. But, really, at the heart of him, there is a sadistic monster wanting to own, control, and punish.

I really like Ms. Bhatt's acting. Put her in just that right role, and she will carry the film. In this dark comedy, she effortlessly goes from victim to aggressor, all the while maintaining the cynicism that serves to lighten an otherwise frightening topic.

The humor at times is trite and over the top, but decidedly. I personally found it misplaced at times, at moments where we least expect it. But, it is a unique artistic experiment that should be appreciated in and of itself.