I probably don’t have to say this for a film that debuted at Sundance in January 2025 and distributed by the horror speciality subscription service Shudder but this film is very much not for children! It’s a Norwegian body horror.

A beautiful castle with a stunning backdrop of woodland, four noblewomen bedecked in fine dresses, and a handsome prince looking for a virginal bride. All the trademarks of a fairytale yet this tale is quite unlike any other!

Our protagonist, Elvira (Lea Myren), is the quintessential ‘ugly stepsister’. Though I must stress that ugly is rather an unfair description. Yes, Elvira may not possess the conventional ethereal beauty of Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Naess), her stepsister (the films Cinderella), but she is in no way ‘ugly’. If only Elvira could see this herself, or at the very least her own mother, Rebekka, could see it. Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp) puts a new spin on the evil stepmother. Although she clearly wants what is best for her daughter (a rich husband), as well as for her family. After the untimely death of Rebekka’s new husband and Agnes’s father; Rebekka laments that no one wants a widow with “saggy tits and two hopeless daughters”. Elvira swears she will get married to provide for the family, but her mother tells her to “ look in the mirror, sweetheart”.

Elvira spends a lot of the movie woefully looking into the mirror. The teenager may not have access to a front-facing phone camera, but there is something oh-so-familiar about her despair. Elvira wears braces, and when those are pulled out to reveal her perfect teeth, it’s still not enough for her mother. After Rebekka chooses a more flattering shape from a brochure, Elvira is strapped down for a nose job as Dr Esthétique (Adam Lundgren) unceremoniously breaks her nose and attaches a (fittingly) medieval-looking device to her face in order to ‘shape’ the nose. Steampunk chic to be sure, but looks painful.

To the modern eye, Elvira’s methods to achieve ‘beauty’ may seem extreme; from swallowing a tapeworm egg to having eyelash extensions sewn (yes, sewn!) into her eyes. But this quest for perfection is disturbingly familiar. Is it any different from people injecting themselves with a neurotoxin or fillers into their faces?  And with Ozempic taking the world by storm, tapeworms don’t seem that bizarre. In our way, we are all trying to fit into the coveted ‘slipper’ that is the narrow view of femininity and beauty.

The film was written by Emilie Blichfeldt and stands as her directorial debut. The script reflects her own struggles with body confidence. We feel empathy towards Elvira whilst watching her stare at her naked body in disgust, envying Agnes’s effortless beauty, even when her beautiful stepsister is demoted to a house servant. Elvira is asked to move to the back of the dance class, being told her natural talent is wasted on someone as ugly as her, while Agnes is met only with smiles and attention.

The film is littered with both metaphorical and physical phalluses, reminding us how these unfortunate women are being, repeatedly, crushed living under the patriarchy. The penultimate scenes are a tour de force of body horror where Elvira’s desperation for beauty and acceptance is made visible in all its ugly glory. Not for the faint-hearted or the weak-stomached! 

Three stars. 

Genre: Supernatural Drama / Coming-of-Age

Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes

Studio: A24

Director: Karyn Kusama

Writer: Celeste Ng (based on an original screenplay)

Starring: Florence Pugh, Evan Peters, Naomi Scott, and Kodi Smit-McPhee

In Wolf Children, director Karyn Kusama delivers a haunting and lyrical drama about identity, nature, and survival. Set in the misty woodlands of the Pacific Northwest, the film follows Lena (Florence Pugh), a reclusive biologist raising her two children, both born with the ability to shift into wolves, after the mysterious disappearance of her partner.

From the start, the tone is atmospheric and unsettling. A24’s trademark eerie quiet pairs well with Kusama’s gift for tension, and the lush cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw (Loki, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) paints a world that feels both grounded and otherworldly.

Florence Pugh gives a deeply human, raw performance as a mother on the edge of isolation and desperation. Evan Peters plays the estranged uncle torn between loyalty and fear, while Naomi Scott shines as a local teacher trying to connect with the children. But the standout is Kodi Smit-McPhee, whose portrayal of the older child caught between animal instinct and human longing adds poignant complexity.

Celeste Ng’s screenplay offers more than fantasy—it’s a social allegory about being “othered” and trying to fit into a world that fears what it doesn’t understand. Themes of motherhood, heritage, and personal agency run deep.

At times, the pacing lags, especially in the second act, where introspection overtakes momentum. And while the wolf transformation scenes are emotionally loaded, the limited visual effects may disappoint viewers expecting genre thrills.

But make no mistake—Wolf Children isn’t a horror flick. It’s a moving, melancholic fairy tale for adults, and one that lingers after the credits.

Rating: 8.5/10

A tender, eerie, and evocative film that blends supernatural themes with emotional depth.

Directed by: Rajesh Kumar | Written by: Rajesh Kumar | Starring: Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi

Genre: Drama, Thriller | Runtime: 2 hours 45 minutes

Available on: Netflix | Studio: Red Studios

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Thandel is a gripping drama-thriller that examines the deep-rooted social and political issues prevalent in rural India. Directed and written by Rajesh Kumar, the film brings to light the stark realities of human suffering, class divides, and systemic oppression while weaving a powerful narrative of hope and resistance. With stellar performances by Vijay Sethupathi, Nayanthara, and Pasupathi, this film offers more than just entertainment – it’s a powerful commentary on society.

The story centers around Karthik (Vijay Sethupathi), an idealistic young man who returns to his village after years of studying in the city. He quickly realizes that his community is being threatened by a corrupt political system that is destroying the very fabric of rural life. His attempts to restore justice and bring about change lead him into a whirlwind of tension, deceit, and violence. As Karthik allies with Anjali (Nayanthara), a strong-willed social activist, the two face constant opposition from powerful forces.

The narrative is slow-burning at first but quickly accelerates, with each twist revealing more about the characters’ motivations, fears, and hopes. The layered storytelling keeps you hooked until the very end.

Vijay Sethupathi delivers yet another powerful performance, effortlessly transitioning between the earnestness of his character and the complex moral dilemmas he faces. Nayanthara, as always, excels in portraying the fiery yet vulnerable activist, and her chemistry with Sethupathi elevates the emotional depth of the story.

Pasupathi, in a key supporting role, steals the show with his nuanced portrayal of a villain who is more human than one might expect, further adding complexity to the story.

Rajesh Kumar’s direction is both poignant and precise. His attention to detail in capturing the rural landscape of India creates a sense of place that is both beautiful and haunting. The cinematography is immersive, with sweeping shots of the village contrasted by intimate close-ups that highlight the emotional turmoil of the characters. The direction adds weight to the social commentary while never sacrificing the entertainment value of the plot.

The soundtrack, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is another standout element of Thandel. The haunting score perfectly complements the film’s dark themes, while songs like “Thamizh Puthu” bring an uplifting energy to the narrative at the right moments. The sound design plays a crucial role in amplifying the tension in key scenes, immersing the viewer further into the tense atmosphere.

At its core, Thandel is a powerful examination of social inequality, the exploitation of rural communities, and the complex relationship between political power and the people. The film touches on corruption, justice, and the role of activism in driving societal change. Through its nuanced portrayal of its characters and their personal struggles, it urges viewers to think about the impact of systemic oppression and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Thandel is a thought-provoking, emotionally charged film that blends drama with thriller elements. Its intelligent screenplay, solid performances, and striking visuals make it an essential watch for anyone interested in socially relevant cinema. While the pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional payoff and the film’s profound message make it well worth the wait.

Rating: 9/10