Akhil Pillai

OTT Releases This Week: Aug 04

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From the Rom-Com to Thrillers…the list is packed with a good number of thrillers, docu-series and romantic movies.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3: A Mischievous Emotional Rollercoaster

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Directed by: James Gunn
Cast: Bradley Cooper, Chukwudi Iwuji, Linda Cardellini, Will Poulter

In Brief: Guardians of the Galaxy

The final instalment in the Guardians of the Galaxy series, Vol 3, focuses on Rocket’s traumatic backstory, featuring the High Evolutionary’s experiments. Rocket’s escape and separation from his soulmate Lylla, the otter, lead to a thrilling adventure filled with mischief, humour, and heart.

A big-hearted film that balances an overstuffed storyline with classic GOTG trademarks. James Gunn’s touch with unexpected dark themes keeps the series’ irreverent swagger while delivering emotional punches.

Dhoomam: An Unimpactful Thriller Fogged by its Message

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by: Pawan Kumar
Cast: Fahadh Faasil, Roshan Mathew, Aparna Balamurali, Vineeth

In Brief: Dhoomam

In Dhoomam, Fahadh Faasil plays the marketing head of a major tobacco firm caught in a hostage situation with his wife. The non-linear narrative switches between the attempts to escape and Avinash’s rise within the company. The film also delves into the corporate world of tobacco, showcasing the methods used to convince new users and lobby with the government.

Detailed review of Dhoomam here

Rangabali: A Scattered Attempt at Hero Worship

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Pawan Basamsetty
Cast: Naga Shaurya, Yukti Thareja, Tom Chacko, Satya
Music: Pawan CH

In Brief: Rangabali

Rangabali tells the story of Shaurya, a man whose strength and identity are rooted in his hometown, Ramavaram. He falls in love, faces conflicts, and must change the identity of a significant place in his town. The film follows Shaurya’s journey from a small-town guy with dreams of heroism to his struggle with politics and identity.

Rangabali attempts to celebrate unabashed hero worship but ends up feeling like a collection of random ideas with superficial execution.

Naga Shaurya’s portrayal of the protagonist is unconvincing, with elements like his white shirt fetish and action sequences failing to evoke interest. The lack of depth in the storyline, masked by humor and mass masala, leaves much to be desired.

However, moments of occasional humour thanks to supporting actors Satya and Rajkumar provide some relief.

Rangabali’s promotional spoof interviews, in which Satya mimics media personalities, ironically offer more innovation and entertainment than the film itself.

Soulcatcher: A Clichéd Disappointment Bereft of Originality

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Daniel Markowicz
Cast: Piotr Witkowski, Jacek Koman, Jacek Poniedziałek

In Brief: Soulcatcher

Soulcatcher takes place in a not-so-distant future where a weapon named the Soulcatcher can transform ordinary people into savage killers. The plot revolves around a military contractor who is assigned to retrieve this device but faces a dilemma when his brother falls victim to it. This Polish action thriller endeavors to be a gripping tale but ends up awash with clichés.

The film sets itself up with a blockbuster script, yet its modest budget fails to match its grand aspirations. It falls short in terms of visuals, fight scenes, and character development, leaving much to be desired.

Although it boasts a conceptually interesting weapon and a promising plotline involving political corruption and scientific brilliance, the execution lacks originality and conviction.

Santhosham: A Feel-Good Attempt That Falls Short on Conflict

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Directed by: Ajith V Thomas
Cast: Anu Sithara, Amith Chakalakkal, Kalabhavan Shajohn, Mallika Sukumaran

In Brief: Santhosham

Santhosham revolves around the family of Suresh Kumar, focusing on his two daughters, Aadhya and Akshara. The narrative explores their dynamic relationship, especially as Aadhya’s marriage is fixed. The film attempts to delve into the sharp mood swings of children, a theme often overlooked in Malayalam cinema, but ends up delivering a conflict-free and simplistic narrative that fails to blend family bonding with a central idea.

The music by PS Jayahari adds charm, but misplaced songs hinder the overall experience.

Despite its aim to spread positivity, Santhosham’s underdeveloped script neglects to build a solid conflict, resulting in a film that focuses on optimism but lacks depth and engagement.

Exclusive OTT Releases This Week

Choona: An Unlikely Heist with a Humorous Twist

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Pushpendra Nath Misra
Cast: Jimmy Shergill, Aashim Gulati, Arshad Warsi, Vikram Kochhar, Namit Das, Chandan Roy, Gyanendra Tripathi, Monika Panwar, Niharika Lyra Dutt

Plot Synopsis:
When a group of misfits finds themselves up against a common enemy—a ruthless yet superstitious politician—they plan a heist as their method of revenge. The series combines elements of comedy and drama, promising a unique take on the heist genre. Choona aims to deliver an engaging story of retribution.

Dayaa: A Chilling Discovery and a Tumultuous Journey

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Directed by: Pavan Sadineni
Cast: JD Chakravarthy, Eesha Rebba, Remya Nambeesan, Prudhvi Raj, Kamal Kamaraju, Josh Ravi

Plot Synopsis:
Dayaa, a Telugu remake of the popular Bengali series Taqdeer, revolves around the life of a freezer van driver whose routine existence is shattered when he finds a lifeless body in his van. The discovery sets off a chain of events that embroils him and his best friend in increasingly complex challenges. As a new addition to Telugu-language content, Dayaa represents a thrilling foray into a new market for the renowned Bengali production house, SVF.

The Hunt for Veerappan: Unveiling the Dreaded Bandit’s Saga

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Selvamani Selvaraj
Composer: Jhanu
Genre: True crime docuseries

Plot Synopsis:
The Hunt for Veerappan is a gripping four-part docuseries set to explore the untold and unheard stories of the feared Indian bandit turned domestic terrorist, Veerappan. Beginning as a poacher, Veerappan ruled the jungles of South India, becoming the subject of India’s largest manhunt. Through detailed examination and intense storytelling, this series will delve into the complex web of Veerappan’s life and the forces that sought to capture him. The Hunt for Veerappan promises to unravel the mystery and mythology surrounding one of India’s most enigmatic criminal figures.

Nagumome Chaalu Le: A heartbroken and wide-eyed decided to explore the city

OTT Platform: Aha
Directed by: N Balaji
Cast: Saketh Valluri & Sindhuja Turlapati

OTT Releases This Week: July 21

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From Psychological Horror Dramas to Animes…the list is fileld with a good number of thrillers, feel-good and romantic movies.

A collage of OTT Releases this week — OTT Releases this week

Asvins: A Chilling Psychological Horror

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Tarun Teja
Cast: Vasanth Ravi, Vimala Raman, Muralidaran, Saraswathi Menon, UdhayaDeep, Simran Pareek

Asvin in Brief

Asvins uncovers a haunting tale beginning with a folk legend of a boy blessed by Ashwini (goddess) with an unusual boon: he cannot die unless it is by natural causes. The boy grew up to be an archaeologist named Arjun. He and his team went to a mansion in Kent that was once owned by another archaeologist named Aarthi Rajagopalan. The mansion was said to be haunted, and Arjun wanted to investigate. As they explored the mansion, they heard chilling whispers inside their heads.

Asvins blends traditional horror elements with a psychological twist, creating an atmosphere of intense suspense and terror.
It will entertain all who like Horror thrillers, particularly when it stays true to its genre, deviating only when attempting to justify the supernatural phenomena.

Bawaal: A Typical Bollywood Drama of Love, Hate, and Indifference

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Directed by: Nitesh Tiwari
Cast: Varun Dhawan, Janhvi Kapoor

Bawaal in Brief

Bawaal is a story about a history teacher and his new wife from a small Indian town. They go on their honeymoon to Europe, but their relationship is already having problems. As they travel, they learn about the horrors of World War II, and their lives take an unexpected turn.

Bawaal is a layered narrative that looks into the conflicts of modern relationships. It reflects on themes of love, hatred, empathy, indifference, and authenticity. The film uses World War II as a backdrop to explore personal struggles and global history.

Trial Period: A Predictable Tale of Modern Families and Unconventional Bonds

OTT Platform: JioCinema
Directed by: Aleya Sen
Cast: Genelia Deshmukh, Manav Kaul

Trial Period in Brief

Trial Period is a heartwarming film that tells the story of Ana, a single mother who is asked by her son to find a father for him on a 30-day trial. This innocent proposition leads to the entry of Prajapati Dwivedi, or PD, who is diametrically opposite to what Ana and her son had in mind. However, as they get to know each other, they start to realise that they have a lot in common.

The film is a refreshing take on family dynamics and love. It combines emotion, humour, and relatable struggles, perfectly illustrating the peculiarities of modern families. With its unique premise and charming characters, Trial Period promises to tug at the heartstrings of the viewers, making them ponder the unconventional ways in which bonds are formed.

They Cloned Tyrone: A Genre-Bending Exploration of Conspiracy and Comedy

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Juel Taylor
Cast: John Boyega, Teyonah Parris, Jamie Foxx, David Alan Grier, Kiefer Sutherland

They Cloned Tyrone in Brief

They Cloned Tyrone is a science fiction comedy mystery film that follows an unlikely trio as they stumble upon a government cloning conspiracy. The film incorporates elements of satire, horror, and absurdist humour, and pays homage to the Blaxploitation films of the 1970s.

The film has received critical acclaim for its genre-bending narrative and standout performances by the lead cast. It has been praised for its compelling direction, savvy score, and humorous cast performances. It serves as a potent mix of social satire and science fiction, delivering a uniquely entertaining ride.

Paayum Oli Nee Yenakku: An Average Thriller with Twists and Turns

OTT Platform: Simply South
Directed by: Karthik Adwait
Cast: Vikram Prabhu, Vani Bhojan

Paayum Oli Nee Yenakku in Brief

Paayum Oli Nee Yenakku (You are my beaming light), is an average action thriller that showcases the life of an IT entrepreneur, Aravind, who can only see in bright light due to a childhood accident. Despite his disability, Aravind lives a confident life until he is kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. With several unexpected murders happening around him, this film is packed with thrilling sequences and plot twists, giving viewers a refreshing experience.

Despite minor drawbacks such as disjointed sequences and unclear depictions of Aravind’s visual condition, the film promises to entertain audiences with its unique storyline and well-crafted editing.

Sync: Won’t sync with everyone

OTT Platform: Aha
Directed by: Vikas Anand Sridharan
Cast: Kishen Das, Monica Chinnakotla, Soundarya Bala Nandakumar, Naveen George Thomas

Sync in Brief

Sync, a Tamil horror thriller, revolves around four friends who embark on a road trip that soon turns into a nightmare following a hit-and-run accident. Encountering supernatural elements, they struggle to escape from the haunting situation. With an intriguing plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, Sync is trying to send chills and keep you on the edge of your seat.

Sync successfully blends horror elements with a gripping narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre. But it may not sync with all.

Do Gubbare: A Heartfelt Connection Bridging Generations

OTT Platform: Jio Cinema
Directed by: Varun Narvekar
Cast: Mohan Agashe, Siddharth Shaw, Malhaar Rathod, Manasi Parekh, Hemangi Kavi

Do Gubbare in Brief

Do Gubbare is a heartwarming Hindi sitcom that explores the life of a young man, Rohit, who relocates from Indore to Pune and stays as a paying guest at Ajoba’s house. A tale filled with emotions and laughter, Do Gubbare shows how the two characters find solace in each other’s company, leading to unexpected connections and profound life changes.

Do Gubbare offers a perfect blend of fun, emotions, and laughter, providing viewers a feel-good experience. It brings together a stellar cast led by veteran actor Mohan Agashe, promising captivating performances.

Other OTT Releases This Week

The Deepest Breath (Eng) – Netflix

Aashiqana S4 (Hindi) – Hotstar Series

The Almost Legends (Spanish) – Netflix

Sweet Magnolias (English) – Netflix

Check more film updates here.

OTT Releases This Week: July 14

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From romantic Love Tactics to Courtroom drama Trial…the list is fileld with a good number of thrillers, melo-drama and rom-coms movies.

The Trial: An intoxicating blend of personal drama and courtroom suspense!

OTT Platform: Disney+Hotstar
Directed by: Suparn Verma
Cast: Kajol, Jisshu Sengupta, Sheeba Chaddha, Kubbra Sait, Alyy Khan

Plot Synopsis:
The Trial is a legal drama series about a woman named Nayonika who is forced to restart her career as a lawyer after her politician husband is embroiled in a sex and corruption scandal. The series follows her journey as she balances her personal life with her professional commitments.
This is an adaptation of the international series The Good Wife.

The adaptation maintains the episodic legal drama style, combined with an overarching narrative, which keeps viewers on their toes.
The cast, featuring a range of talented actors, adds to the show’s appeal and credibility.

Maya Bazaar for Sale: A Fusion of Upper-Class Drama & Humour!

OTT Platform: Zee5
Directed by: Gautami Challgulla
Cast: Navdeep, Naresh, Eesha Rebba, Meiyang Chang, Ravi Varma

Plot Synopsis:
Maya Bazaar is a series about a luxurious apartment complex that is declared illegal by the government. The posh inhabitants of the complex are thrown into disarray as they scramble to cope with this upheaval.

The series explores the societal norms, legality, and the human will to survive under duress.
This season has seven episodes that promise a mix of drama and some humour here and there.

Survival of the Thickest: A delightful and poignant journey of self-love and fashion!

OTT Platform: Netflix
Created by: Michelle Buteau, Danielle Sanchez Witzel
Cast: Michelle Buteau, Tasha Smith, Tone Bell, Anissa Felix, Liza Treyger

Plot Synopsis:
Survival of the Thickest centres on Mavis Beaumont (Michelle Buteau), a plus-sized African-American stylist in New York City. The series follows her journey post a breakup as she navigates the dating scene, the fashion world, and life’s unexpected challenges.

The show, based on a memoir of the same name, realistically portrays the struggles and triumphs of a marginalised woman in the modern world.
It balances comedy and drama effectively to highlight the intersection of race, body size, and fashion in society.
The character of Mavis breaks traditional stereotypes, expressing her love for fashion and styling, adding to the show’s unique charm.

Kohrra: A Gripping Tale of Murder and Mystery in Punjab

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Randeep Jha
Cast: Suvinder Vicky, Barun Sobti, Manish Chaudhari, Harleen Sethi, Varun Badola, Rachel Shelley

Plot Synopsis:
Set in the heart of Punjab, ‘Kohrra’ is an intriguing crime thriller that follows two diligent cops as they unravel the complex layers of a young NRI’s murder. This procedural thriller delves into the multi-faceted Punjabi society, touching upon themes such as love, migration, feudal feuds, and rampant drug culture. As the mystery unfolds, the protagonists also grapple with personal turmoil, adding a psychological dimension to the series.

‘Kohrra’ offers a nuanced portrayal of Punjab, capturing its vibrant culture and underlying issues.
The narrative skillfully intertwines a police procedural with a psychological drama.
The series draws attention to significant societal concerns like land inheritance and NRI relations with their native land, & I believe it’s inspired by the murder of singer Moose Wala.

Love Tactics 2: The Game of Proposal

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Not Mentioned
Cast: Demet Özdemir, Şükrü Özyıldız, Atakan Ã‡elik

Plot Synopsis:
In this sequel to ‘Love Tactics’, we revisit Asli and Kerem’s relationship. This time around, Asli is convinced that marriage is a scam, and surprisingly, Kerem agrees. However, Asli’s pride is at stake, and she is determined to get a proposal out of him, ensuing a hilarious comedy of errors.

Love Tactics 2 continues the engaging narrative of Asli and Kerem’s romantic endeavours, filled with humour and surprising twists.
The show explores the concept of marriage, personal egos, and the lengths people can go to protect them.
Love Tactics 2 is likely to resonate with fans of romantic comedies with its playful plot and relatable characters.

Janaki Jaane: Fear, Tear & Mere!

OTT Platform: Disney+Hotstar
Directed by: Aneesh Upasana
Cast: Navya Nair, Saiju Kurup, Johny Antony

Plot Synopsis:
Janaki Jaane revolves around Janaki, a woman plagued by irrational fears. Her fear of the dark and being alone in open or confined spaces becomes a constant struggle in her life. When she falls in love and marries Unni, they must confront these fears together. However, things take a dark turn when Janaki becomes a pawn in a political conspiracy during election canvassing. With the help of her husband and friends, Janaki realises she must confront her fears to reclaim her life and expose the truth.

The film combines elements of suspense, romance, and social commentary.
While the execution falls short of its potential, Navya Nair and Saiju Kurup deliver commendable performances.
Janaki Jaane remains a watchable film but I felt like the director spoiled the opportunity.

Thandatti: A Quirky Drama with Inconsistent Execution

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Director: Ram Sangaiah
Cast: Pasupathy, Rohini, Vivek Prasanna, Ammu Abhirami

Plot Synopsis:
Thandatti is a procedural drama set in a small village in Theni. The story revolves around Thangaponnu’s death and the subsequent battle among her children to claim her final possession, a pair of earrings. Subramani, a cop who abides by his own rules, gets involved in the case when Thangaponnu’s thandatti goes missing. As he faces opposition from the villagers, Subramani must navigate the challenges and uncover the truth.

Thandatti is worth watching only for Pasupathy’s compelling act and the village’s innocent charm.

Other OTT Releases This Week

Nenu Student Sir: An Average Thriller

OTT Platform: Aha
Director: Rakhi Uppalapati
Cast: Bellamkonda Ganesh, Avantika Dassani, Samuthirakani

Plot Synopsis: Nenu Student Sir follows Subbu, a college student determined to purchase the latest iPhone. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he becomes entangled in a murder case after buying the phone. To his surprise, a substantial amount of money is credited to his bank account. As Subbu struggles to prove his innocence, he unravels the truth behind the murder and the mysterious deposit.

Ishq-E-Nadaan: A Romantic Melo-Drama, set in a Crowded Metropolis

OTT Platform: Jio Cinema
Director: Avishek Ghosh
Cast: Mohit Raina, Lara Dutta, Neena Gupta, Kanwaljit Singh

Plot Synopsis: The movie traces the journeys of its protagonists, weaving a narrative of companionship and unconditional love. Directed by Avishek Ghosh, making his directorial debut, the film is an exploration of urban relationships, viewed through a lens of compassion and understanding. The film also reunites veteran actors Neena Gupta and Kanwaljit Singh, once an iconic television couple, demonstrating the transformative power and fun of acting.

Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn: A Feel Good Love Story

OTT Platform: Manorama Max
Director: Adhil Maimoonath Asharaf
Cast: havana, Sharafudheen, Ashokan, Anarkali Nazar

Plot Synopsis: Aspiring vintage car dealer Jimmy spots a vintage car on the road and follows it to meet the owner. The owner is Nithya, his childhood sweetheart who he hasn’t seen in years after their parents forced them to break up. The two reunited lovers must decide whether to use this second chance to reconcile, despite the odds stacked against them.

OTT Sequels This Week

Storybots: Answer Time Season 2
OTT platform: Netflix

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 2
OTT platform: Amazon Prime Video

College Romance Season 4
OTT platform: SonyLIV

Looking for a good scare? This Israeli thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.

OTT Releases This Week: July 7

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From erotic Fatal Seduction to Super natural thriller Adhura…the list is fileld with a good number of thrillers and feel-good movies.

Sweet Kaaram Coffee: An Emotional Journey Packed with Adventure and Self-Discovery

OTT Platform: Prime Video
Directed by: Bejoy Nambiar, Krishna Marimuthu, Swathi Raghuraaman
Cast: Lakshmi, Madhoo, Santhy Balachandran, Vamsi Krishna, Kavin Jay Babu

Sweet Kaaram Coffee Trailer

Sweet Kaaram Coffee embarks on the adventurous journey of three inter-generational women who decide to take a road trip to explore their lives from a fresh perspective. This life-altering trip presents opportunities to make new friends, develop fresh outlooks and get in touch with their inner selves, bringing about much-needed change in their lives.

Highlights

The stellar performances by Lakshmi, Madhoo, and Santhy Balachandran, representative of three generations, infuse life and authenticity into the series.
The narrative, beautifully penned by Reshma Ghatala, Swathi Raguraaman, Vinithra Madhavan Menon and Krishnaswamy Rajkumar, strikes a balance between being spicy, honeyed, heart-warming, and prickly.
The series thoughtfully explores themes of mortality, freedom, and living life on one’s own terms.

Adhura: A Supernatural Thriller Set in a Haunting School

Adhura Trailer

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Created by: Ananya Banerjee, Gauravv K. Chawla
Cast: Ishwak Singh, Rasika Dugal, Shrenik Arora

Adhura, a supernatural thriller set in an elite boarding school, reveals a secret so dark that it disrupts the lives of everyone connected to it. The series traces the mystery surrounding disappearances, secrets, and eerie occurrences that link a guilt-ridden alumnus named Adhiraj and a troubled student named Vedant, merging the lines between the past and present.

The narrative showcases the alluring historical charm and captivating architecture of Ooty, which provides a perfect canvas for the thriller.
The choice of location – an actual school with its weathered exteriors, dimly lit hallways, and shadow-filled corners – lends the series an authentically eerie atmosphere.

IB 71: A Spy Thriller That Explores Pak-Version of Intelligence Stories

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Directed by: Sankalp Reddy
Cast: Vidyut Jammwal, Anupam Kher, Vishal Jethwa, Dalip Tahil, Faizan Khan, Niharica Raizada

IB71 Trailer

IB 71 is a spy thriller that follows the protagonist, Agent Dev (Vidyut Jammwal), who leads a top-secret mission to block Indian air space for West Pakistan’s military movement ahead of the 1971 war. It draws inspiration from real events including the 1971 hijack of a Fokker F27 plane, named Ganga, by Kashmiri extremists.

The film tries to sell us the Pakistani theory that the hijack was the handiwork of the Indian intelligence agencies so that they could find a reason to block the Indian air space for Pakistani military’s movement towards the then East Pakistan in the run-up to the December 1971 war that led to the birth of Bangladesh.

Moonu Muppathi Moonu: A Failed Horror Experiment

OTT Platform: Aha Cinema
Directed by: Nambikkai Chandru
Cast: Sandy Master, Shruthi Selvam, Mime Gopi, Saravanan, Rama, Reshma, Gautham Vasudev Menon

3:33 Trailer

Moonu Muppathi Moonu unfolds the tale of Sandy, who moves into a new house with his family, only to experience peculiar incidents tied to the time 3:33. Sandy’s customised clock chimes this time, awakening a chilling spirit. The plot revolves around Sandy’s struggle against this inexplicable presence.

Sandy Master’s splendid performance, particularly in emotional scenes, shines throughout the film.
The horror element is quite interesting once the spirit’s presence is confirmed. However, predictability creeps in after a point, with clichéd jump-scare moments.

Takkar: A Potential Action-Romance Flick Losing its Spark

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Karthik G Krish
Cast: Siddharth, Divyansha Kaushik, Yogi Babu, RJ Vigneshkanth, Abhimanyu Singh

Takkar Trailer

Takkar trails the journey of Guns, a young man trying to climb the social ladder. His life takes a wild turn when he discovers a bag full of money, leading him to cross paths with a group of women traffickers. In this chaos, he saves Lucky, a girl with a troubled past. Their shared ordeal forms the backbone of the narrative.

The plot develops interestingly, with Guns and Lucky finding solace and budding romance in shared adversities.
The movie’s downfall lies in Lucky’s character development, turning her into more of a plot device rather than a real character.
Despite its potential, the film fails to make a lasting impact due to its confusing narrative and lacklustre execution.

Tarla: A Biopic that Celebrates the Life of Renowned Chef Tarla Dalal

OTT Platform: ZEE5
Directed by: Piyush Gupta
Cast: Huma Qureshi, Sharib Hashmi

Tarla Trailer

Tarla is a biopic portraying the life of renowned chef and cookbook author Tarla Dalal. The film is an uplifting tale packed with emotions, inspiration, and a sprinkling of entertainment. It highlights the journey of a determined woman who breaks barriers in the culinary world, with the unwavering support of her husband.The film is expected to be a feel-good and moving narrative with a dash of inspiration.

Fatal Seduction: An Erotic Thriller With a Dark Twist

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Steven Pillemer
Cast: Thapelo Mokoena, Kgomotso Christopher, Prince Grootboom, Nat Ramabulana, Lunathi Mampofu

Fatal Seduction Trailer

In Fatal Seduction, a married woman, Nandi, takes a weekend trip that not only ignites her desires but ends tragically. The series unravels past lies and secrets, causing Nandi to question the honesty of those close to her.

The plot intertwines eroticism, suspense, and dark secrets, adding depth and mystery to the narrative.
The series features an engaging storyline filled with unexpected twists.
It explores the complexities of relationships and the consequences of hidden secrets.

Blind: A Tale of Resilience and Determination

OTT Platform: Jio Cinema
Directed by: Shome Makhija
Cast: Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, Purab Kohli, Vinay Pathak, Lillete Dubey, Shubham Saraf

Blind Trailer

Blind revolves around a strong, determined protagonist who overcomes various life challenges. The film showcases the life of a woman who does not let her disabilities hinder her resilience, leading to an inspiring and moving narrative.

I hope it will be a comeback for Sonam kapoor.

Farhana – A Tale of Empowerment Amidst Struggles

OTT Platform: SonyLiv (Multi-Audio)
Directed by: Nelson Venkatesan
Cast: Aishwarya Rajesh, Selvaraghavan, Jithan Ramesh, Anumol, Aishwarya Dutta

Farhana Trailer

Farhana (Aishwarya Rajesh), a Muslim woman from a conservative family, starts working due to financial difficulties. She ends up in a job that involves talking to desperate men seeking female companionship. Over time, she grows comfortable with the work, as it improves her family’s living conditions. Things spiral out of control when she breaks company rules and tries to meet a frequent caller.

Archie’r Gallery: A Nostalgic Romance That Touches the Heart (Bengali)

OTT Platform: Zee5
Directed by: Promita Bhattacharya
Cast: Bonny Sengupta, Ayoshi Talukdar

Archie’r Gallery

Archie’r Gallery takes you back to the ’90s through the lives of Archie and Niharika, and their love story influenced by Archie’s father’s romantic narratives. As the film progresses, it questions if the charm of old-school, greeting card romance has faded in the era of dating sites.

Other OTT Releases This Week

Katharbasha Endra Muthuramalingam, ZEE5

Katharbasha Endra Muthuramalingam Trailer

Hack My Home, Netflix

Beautiful Disaster (2023), Amazon Prime

Hawa, SonyLiv

For more movie suggestion, click here.

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Universal Analytics to Google Analytics 4: What it Means for Your Website

As the sun sets on Google’s Universal Analytics (UA), a new horizon emerges with Google Analytics 4 (GA4). This shift, while potentially daunting for marketers and data analysts, presents an opportunity to uncover deeper, more nuanced insights into user engagement.

For those businesses who have chosen to embrace this change and continue their journey with GA4, understanding the key differences and new functionalities is essential. The future of your data analysis and interpretation hinges on grasping these crucial changes, enabling you to extract maximum value from your data.

Reimagining Sessions

In the world of web analytics, sessions play an integral role in understanding user behavior. A session in GA4 represents a visit to your site and times out after 30 minutes of inactivity. However, unlike UA, sessions in GA4 can encapsulate multiple traffic sources.

For instance, if a visitor lands on your site from a Facebook ad, goes through Google to login, and then returns to your site, this entire journey is counted as one session, despite having multiple traffic sources. This is a significant shift from UA, where each visit from a new source initiated a new session.

The Emergence of Engaged Sessions

Engaged sessions are a new metric introduced in GA4. A session can be considered as ‘engaged‘ if it lasts longer than 10 seconds, includes two or more page views, or results in at least one conversion.

The shift from Universal Analytics to GA4, particularly the introduction of the “Engaged Sessions” metric, is a response to the evolving digital landscape and user behaviors. Bounce rate, as calculated in Universal Analytics, was a useful measure of site engagement in the past, but with the advent of single-page applications (SPAs) and more complex user interactions, it became less effective. For instance, users could view an SPA and leave without triggering an event, which would be considered a bounce, despite their potential engagement with the content

In contrast, the Engaged Sessions metric in GA4 is designed to provide a more accurate reflection of user engagement.

Understanding Engagement Rate

Engagement rate is calculated by dividing the number of engaged sessions by the total number of sessions. For example, if you have 1000 sessions and 750 of them are engaged, your engagement rate will be 75%. This new metric provides a more nuanced understanding of user engagement levels than before.

In UA, the bounce rate was a measure of site engagement, but its effectiveness has been declining as websites and apps evolved. The bounce rate could show users viewing a single-page application and leaving without triggering an event, which would be considered a bounce. However, in GA4, the concept of engagement has been refined to measure the level at which customers engage with your site or app more accurately.

While both the bounce rate and engagement rate are valuable in their own ways, the engagement rate in GA4 provides a more detailed understanding of user behavior.

The Return of Bounce Rate

Bounce rate, originally excluded from GA4, has made a comeback. But it now differs from how it was measured in UA. GA4’s bounce rate is the inverse of the engagement rate. Using the previous example, if the engagement rate was 84%, the bounce rate would be 16%.

This significant change in measuring bounce rate can be attributed to the new criteria for an engaged session. Depending on your site’s nature, you may see a drastic impact on bounce rates, possibly seeing a sharp drop compared to UA. However, remember that this doesn’t necessarily mean that your content is more engaging; it’s merely a shift in the measuring methodology.

Defining Users

In GA4, users are only those who have had an engaged session. This is another departure from UA where all visitors were considered users. Total Users in GA4 are more akin to what was defined as users in UA.

Average Engagement Time

GA4 replaces UA’s ‘average time on site’ metric with ‘average engagement time’. This new metric deserves applause, as it gives a more accurate depiction of the time a visitor spends on your site. In UA, bounced sessions were recorded as zero-second visits because no second session would be triggered. In contrast, GA4 measures the actual time a visitor spent on your site, offering a more accurate reflection of user engagement.

The Conversion Shift

Last but not least, GA4 bids goodbye to the traditional concept of goals. In its place, we find conversions. This shift pushes us to reimagine our understanding of conversions and work with this new norm.

GA4 represents a significant shift in Google’s analytical approach, introducing more sophisticated and nuanced metrics. While these changes may seem daunting initially, they offer an opportunity to better understand your audience and website performance. As we journey into this new era of analytics, mastering these new metrics will be key to data-driven decision-making and strategic success.

What are the major 2023 Google Ads Insights For Growth Marketers?

The Devolution Of Lust Stories: A Review

Before Lust Stories 2, let’s get back to square one. In Lust Stories first edition, the anthology kicked off with Anurag Kashyap’s episode – a phenomenal start, indeed.

Let me paint the picture:

If I’m not wrong, the opening scene featured Radhika Apte, head out of a car, basking in a nostalgic Bollywood tune. Street lamps illuminated her face, her hair waving in the wind, and she’s laying lazily, looking at her young lover, You get all this in one long shot of a taxi cruising on a quiet, lit-up highway at night.

Isn’t it making you see the picture? Can’t you feel what the character’s going through? No dialogues, but it still speaks to you.
That’s my first metric for assessing a film’s quality. How much it speaks to you without dialogue.

After this scene, there’s a chat where Radhika Apte asks her boyfriend if they’re alone at home. He says only grandma’s home, and she can’t hear well. Then they’re in his room, talking about the books on the shelf, sharing thoughts. You can tell loads about the characters from this conversation. Kashyap uses the setting and dialogue to peel back layers of the characters. There’s a lot of talking, mostly by Radhika, but none of it’s senseless.

Why am I talking about Lust Stories 1 while writing about the second edition? Because that’s the easiest way for me to share my experience of Lust Stories 2.

Episode 1: Granny from the Future: Too Much Sex, Too Little Sense

Anurag Kashyap used the atmosphere and ambience to convey the emotions and used dialogue to portray the inner layers of the characters.

It’s not simply about sex or lust. The characters are not talking sex or f*** a lot of times; they are talking about their anxieties, which might be yours as well, and they are unveiling the deceptive covers in front of you. In the first episode, when Radhika Apte asks you, How can you expect one person to be everything, your friend, your lover, and your wildest fantasy? you will be able to empathise with the character Kalindi and be convinced that Kalindis exists.

In Lust Stories 2, everything is flipped. We start with R. Balki’s episode with a granny from the future, or maybe another planet. The episode is all sex or fuck. It feels so fake, full of cringe dialogue. Why did they pick this as the first episode? It made me want to stop watching. But after a break, I gave the second episode a chance. Balki should have made some notes from Anurag Kashyap’s Lust Story episode, especially on world building, character sketching, and dialogues.

Episode 2: A Peek into Hidden Emotions, Konkona Sen Sharma’s Lust Story

In Lust Stories 1, the second episode is from Zoya Akhtar, another great talent. It’s about a relationship between a domestic worker Sudha and the man she works for. It’s a subtle, simple story that leaves a question at the end. You can see that Sudha has almost no dialogue, but you can see her transformation, her anxieties, and, in the end, her acceptance of a hard truth.

In Lust Stories 2, the second episode by Konkona Sen Sharma is very similar to what Zoya did; it is subtle, with almost no dialogue between the main characters except a short tirade. The episode ends with a superb commentary on voyeurism and how some emotions can only be limited to being kept under the wraps. Tillotama Shome nailed it, and I was so happy to see her again in the Night Manager today.

Episode 3: Lots of Lust but a ‘lustful’ Misfire

In Lust Stories 1, Dibakar Banerjee crafted the third episode, and it has a strong message for women. It is about Reena, who is in an extremely unhappy marriage with a businessman. She stuck in her roles as wife, mother, and lover, unable to assert herself as an individual. A single line of dialogue from Reena is enough to understand what’s going on; she says, “You need a mother, not a wife, and I cannot be that.” The movie questions the institution of marriage from a woman’s perspective.

But in ‘Lust Stories 2’, the third episode by Sujoy Ghosh is just a show. Lots of kissing and cleavage, and then a predictable twist. I couldn’t figure out what it was trying to say. At least they should have tried to remove that cliched backstory, which would have helped them make the climax better. If you are a Tamanna fan, go for it; otherwise, just watch the first 5 minutes and the last 10 minutes of the episode.

Even Vijay Verma couldn’t save this one as he did in Dahaad, I believe. By the way, I believe Jenniffer Piccinato is going to be a most searched term after Lust Stories 2. Her video call in this third episode added more Lust than the writers did.

Episode 4: Predictable Fairy Tale, Saved by Kajol’s Eyes

In Lust Stories, Karan Johar surprised me with the last episode. Among philosophical takes and social commentaries, he presented a simple yet thoughtful comedy-drama. But Lust Stories 2 ends with Amit Sharma’s episode trying to be a dark fairy tale and ending up just being dull. The only good thing was Kajol and her beautiful eyes.

There is actually nothing much to explain about Lust Stories 2. The endings or plot points are pretty straight, and if you are still looking for ending explained posts, you should really evaluate your cognitive skills.

In the end, I believe ‘Lust Stories 2’ may disappoint you. They messed up the brand with an amateur job.

OTT Releases This Week: June 30

Are you waiting for the latest OTT releases this week? From Lust Stories 2 to Celebrity(Netflix). Thrillers, Comedy, Action, K-Drama…the list is long and hopeful.

Veeran – A Mythical Superhero Comedy

OTT Platform: Amazon Prime
Directed by: ARK Saravan
Cast: Hiphop Adhi, Vinay Rai, R Badree

Veeran Trailer

Plot Synopsis

Veeran revolves around Kumaran, a man with unique superpowers, who assumes the guise of the village’s forgotten deity, Veeran, to protect his people from a threatening corporate project. The film uniquely combines elements of myth, superhero elements, and village life comedy. The plot journeys with Kumaran as he uses his mind-control and electric-arc-discharging powers to thwart the dangerous project led by the antagonist, Sharath.

Read detailed review here.

Vimanam – A Melodrama of Love and Determination

OTT Platform: ZEE5
Directed by: Siva Prasad Yanala
Cast: Samuthirakani, Master Dhruvan, Rahul Ramakrishna, Anasuya Bharadwaj

Plot Synopsis

Vimanam weaves a melodramatic tale of a differently-abled father’s endeavors to fulfill his son’s dream of experiencing air travel. Facing mounting odds, Veerayya, the father, and his son Raju grapple with their circumstances and societal prejudices.

Highlights

An emotional narrative, underpinned by the strong performances of Samuthirakani and Master Dhruvan.

Portrayal of a tender father-son relationship is heartwarming but often dips into the realm of melodrama.

The film could have benefited from fresh narrative tropes and better writing.

The Night Manager Season 2 : Thrilling Labyrinth

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Directed by: Priyanka Ghose
Cast: Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Tillotama Shome

Plot Synopsis

In this second season, former Navy officer Shaan Sengupta must navigate unexpected challenges as he uncovers illegal activities of a man he was tasked to spy on.

Highlights

Successful adaptation of John le Carré’s The Night Manager into a Hindi version.
Intense performances and intricate plot lines keep audiences engaged and wondering what will happen next.
While the first season set the stage, the anticipation for the unfolding events in season two is high.

Good Night: A Slice-of-Life Comedy with Heart and Wit

OTT Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Directed by: Vinayak Chandrasekaran
Cast: Manikandan, Meetha Raghunath, Ramesh Thilak, Raichal Rabecca

Plot Synopsis:

Good Night narrates the story of Mohan, an IT professional whose loud snoring affects his relationships. Meanwhile, Anu, an introverted accountant, grapples with her past and feelings of unluckiness.

Highlights

Stellar performances by Manikandan and Meetha Raghunath, infused with comedic timing, make the series engaging.
The narrative successfully intertwines humor into everyday problems.
The relationship between Mohan and Anu evolves organically, adding depth to the storyline.

Ardhamayyinda Arunkumar – A Small-Town Boy in the Big City

OTT Platform: Aha
Directed by: Jonathan Edwards
Cast: Harshith Reddy, Tejaswi Madivada, Ananya

This series follows Arun Kumar’s transition from a small-town boy to a corporate worker in Hyderabad, providing humorously poignant insights into his encounters and experiences.

Lakadbaggha – A Wild Crime Comedy With A Poor Draft

OTT Platform: ZEE5
Directed by: Victor Mukherjee
Cast: Anshuman Jha, Milind Gunaji, Sanjay Mishra, Shakti Kapoor

Plot Synopsis

In this Hindi crime-comedy, Arjun Bakshi (Anshuman Jha), a martial arts teacher and animal lover, faces his worst nightmare when dogs start vanishing from the streets of Kolkata. His curiosity leads him to discover an illegal and ruthless animal trade run by a dangerous kingpin who deals in exotic animals and murders street animals on contract.

Witty dialogues and funny sequences make this movie an entertaining watch.

An outside the box idea with a blend of crime and comedy seamlessly.

However, the storyline at times seems predictable and could use more suspense or unexpected twists.

Lust Stories 2 – An Intricate Tapestry of Desire and Intimacy

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: R Balki, Konkona Sen Sharma, Amit R Sharma, Sujoy Ghosh
Cast: Tamannaah Bhatia, Mrunal Thakur, Vijay Varma, Kajol, Angad Bedi, Tillotama Shome, Kumud Mishra, Neena Gupta, Anushka Kaushik, Amruta Subhash, among others.

Plot Synopsis

Lust Stories 2 explores the nuanced complexities of intimate relationships and sexual awareness through four unique episodes.

The series, while maintaining the original’s provocative theme, offers fresh perspectives with its new cast and creative directors.

Each episode tackles distinct themes effectively, showing various facets of desire and intimacy, which helps to keep the viewers engaged.

However, some episodes could feel uneven and may not fully resonate with the audience. If you are a fan of first season, you may get disappointed with its amateurish writing.

There are certain scenes where the storytelling feels a bit preachy, potentially affecting the overall narrative flow.

Afwaah – A Must Watch Political Warfare

OTT Platform: Netflix
Directed by: Sudhir Mishra
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bhumi Pednekar, Sumeet Vyas, Sharib Hashmi

Plot Synopsis

Afwaah is a powerful socio-political thriller revolving around the menacing spread of rumors and the consequential mob violence that it spurs.

The film’s examination of contemporary socio-political dynamics makes it a gripping watch, especially in the context of today’s digital world.

The narrative, though complex, is layered with well-crafted elements of political intrigue and human vulnerability, making it quite relatable.

Read detailed review here.

Other OTT Releases This Week

Hijack – Apple Tv

Directed by: Jim Field Smith
Written by: George Kay
Cast: Idris Elba, Neil Maskell, Eve Myles

In Hijack, Idris Elba plays Sam Nelson, a passenger on a seven-hour flight from Dubai to London, which gets hijacked by a group of extremists. The narrative plays out in real time as Sam, an experienced business negotiator, must utilize his skills to prevent a catastrophe while ground control in the UK attempts to manage the crisis.

Celebrity Netflix

Directed by: Kim Cheol-kyu
Written by: Kim Yi-young
Cast: Park Gyu-young, Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Chung-ah, Lee Dong-gun, Jun Hyo-seong

Celebrity is a South Korean drama series that provides a stark look at the world of social media influencers and the subsequent pressures they face. The series follows Seo A-ri, played by Park Gyu-young, an ordinary office worker who becomes a social media sensation overnight and is thrust into the world of influencers, celebrities, and the obsessions they bear with their online image. She soon learns the hidden truths behind the glittering world of likes, followers, and subscribers, and has to navigate her own path.

How to Deal With Uncertainities:Cognitive Survival Kit

Picture yourself driving along your daily route to your nearest theatre. You know every turn, every stoplight, and have become accustomed to the rhythm of this familiar journey. You are confident that you will reach the theatre before the show begins.

Suddenly, you encounter an unexpected detour sign in the middle of your path – the road you’ve always taken is temporarily closed for construction. Now, you must navigate a new route to reach your destination.

This unforeseen obstacle not only disrupts your routine but also challenges you to adapt to the change and find a new way forward.

A symbolic representation on How to Deal With Uncertainities — Image credits: Canva

Such is the course of our lives. We are often moving along familiar paths when unexpected obstacles or anomalies arise, throwing us off our well-planned routes. This post is trying to decode our human responses to these unexpected shifts and explore how they can shape our journey through life.

Navigating the Unforeseen: Our Brain’s Role

Humans are naturally inclined to seek stability and predictability in their environment. This inclination is rooted in our evolutionary history, where predictability equaled survival. We build our lives around familiar routines and predictable patterns, creating a cognitive map of our world that allows us to anticipate future events and plan accordingly.

However, when an unexpected obstacle appears, it not only halts our progress towards our goals but also presents us with a profound question: this obstacle wasn’t supposed to exist, so why does it?

Now, our brains must engage in a process of ‘cognitive updating,’ where they reconcile the new information with our existing worldview. This involves substantial mental work as our neural networks reconfigure to incorporate the unexpected data. Sounds challenging, right? That’s the idea!

Cognitive Dissonance: The Psychological Clash

When we meet the unexpected, it triggers a psychological clash. This clash, called cognitive dissonance, happens when we juggle opposing beliefs or ideas.

On one hand, we have our idea of how things should be, built from our routines and predictions. On the other hand, we face the real-life hurdle that stands in our path. To deal with this dissonance, we often change our beliefs and attitudes. In some cases, we might need to rethink our whole view of the world.

So, facing the unexpected isn’t just about breaking routine. It’s a major cognitive and psychological event that demands that we reshape our understanding of the world.

Unpacking Grandpa’s Survival Kit: The Modern-Day Predicament

Losing a job unexpectedly is similar to encountering a ferocious predator on our regular way home. 1000 years ago, that predator was an uncertainty for our forefathers; now it might be a layoff.

It is a disruption that throws off the steady rhythm of your life, bringing in its wake uncertainty, financial stress, and an understandable level of anxiety. To tackle this change effectively, cognitive flexibility – akin to what our ancestors exercised in the face of predators – becomes a crucial tool in our survival kit.

1. Embracing the Hard Truth

Start by acknowledging reality. You’ve lost your job. It’s a tough fact to digest, especially due to our innate ‘confirmation bias‘. We have a tendency to favour information that aligns with our pre-existing beliefs or situations, and it is cognitively more comfortable to deny or downplay the shift. But to make any progress, accepting the truth is vital.

2. Shifting Perspectives through Cognitive Reframing

Next, reframe the situation. In cognitive psychology, reframing is a technique used to help create a different way of looking at a situation, person, or relationship by changing its meaning.

It involves actively constructing a new perspective. Instead of viewing the job loss as a disaster, see it as an opportunity for growth, a chance to explore new career paths, or a chance to gain new skills.

3. Divergent Thinking – Fostering Creative Solutions

Once you have reframed the situation, brainstorm potential solutions. In this phase, it’s crucial to exercise ‘divergent thinking,’ a thought process used to generate creative ideas by exploring many possible solutions. Consider different career options, alternative income sources, or even acquiring new skills or education. Consider any solution, no matter how outlandish it may seem initially.

This is where the decision-making and prioritisation tools that can be useful.

For example, the Eisenhower Matrix, one of my favourites. The matrix consists of four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither urgent nor important. Read more about it here.

4. Implementing Change Step by Step

Finally, it’s time to act. Implementation can feel daunting, especially after a job loss. However, it’s important to remember that progress often happens incrementally. Break down your chosen solution into manageable steps and tackle them one at a time. This approach, called ‘action planning’, can make a big task seem more approachable, and it has been scientifically proven to enhance goal achievement.

Throughout this process, it’s essential to maintain a self-compassionate perspective. Job loss can lead to feelings of self-doubt or criticism. However, research has shown that treating yourself with kindness in times of failure or difficulty can foster resilience and well-being.

Final Thoughts: Tackling Life’s Crises with Evolutionary Tactics

As we journey through life, navigating unexpected obstacles and tackling life’s crises, it’s fascinating to consider the neurological systems at play. Just as our ancestors used specific neurological systems to detect and react to physical threats – like a lurking predator – we use these same systems to perceive and manage the abstract threats and issues we face in modern life.

Abstract problems – like losing a job or facing a break-up – become the ‘predators’ of our lives, lurking just outside the safety of our known world. When these problems arise, they activate the same neurological platform used by our ancestors, proving how our evolutionary history still influences our reactions to contemporary challenges.

So, dealing with the unexpected isn’t just about updating our cognitive map of the world, it’s also about confronting these abstract ‘predators’, managing life’s crises, and leveraging our inherent neurological capabilities. As we better understand and harness these capabilities, we can become more adept at navigating the uncertainties of life.

Good Thinking Begins with Clear Thinking, read more on how to think clealry using Marcus Aurelius Approach.

Dark Impulse (2011): A Spanish Thriller

Dark Impulse (2011), a gripping Spanish thriller, stars the captivating Veronica Echegui, Alex García & Juan Pablo Shuk. The original Spanish title is ‘Lo Mejor De Eva’.

The Plot: Judicial Ethics Meets Forbidden Passion

Eva (Leonor Watling) is a young, integrous, and relentless judge. Her judicial career, prompted by her father, a former prosecutor, has shaped her in his image. With him now in a coma, she finds herself dealing with the death of a young stripper, Liuba (Polina Kiryanova). This sets the stage for Lo mejor de Eva aka Dark Impulse (2011), directed by Mariano Barroso. It’s his comeback after Hormigas en la boca(2005) and Kasbah (2000).

Dark Impulse starts as a typical courtroom drama, where we get to know the Eva. What initially appears as a straightforward legal proceeding, soon spirals into an unexpected romantic entanglement as Eva falls for Rocco (Miguel Angel Silvestre), the key witness and former boyfriend of the murdered girl. As Eva and Rocco’s relationship tightens, the film morphs into a high-voltage erotic thriller. The scenes showcasing the chemistry between the protagonists are the film’s best parts.

From Courtroom to Bedroom: Eva’s Struggle with Desire

Eva’s life, which has always been deeply entrenched in her legal work, begins to unravel as she succumbs to her intense attraction to Rocco. The judge, initially cold and distant, transforms into a passionate woman driven by impulses she never knew she possessed.

These drastic changes not only affect her personal life but also have implications for the ongoing murder case. As the plot progresses, the line between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, pulling the viewer into a thrilling whirlpool of suspense and eroticism.

Echoes of Urbizu: A Tale of Two Judges

The film, in some ways, echoes Enrique Urbizu’s No Rest For the Wicked (2011), which also features a judge with many similarities to Eva. However, where Urbizu’s film focused on a cop, Barroso’s centers on Eva’s life. Everything changes when Rocco (Miguel Angel Silvestre), the boyfriend of the murdered girl, becomes the key witness.

From Verdict to Vulnerability: The Dark Impulse of Events

The film grips the viewer’s attention from the get-go. However, due to its unpredictability and sudden shifts in tone and genre, it may lead to some confusion. The transformation of Dark Impulse from a courtroom drama into an erotic thriller could take the viewer by surprise.

Despite these abrupt shifts, the film does an impressive job of maintaining the suspense and intrigue throughout, offering a thrilling experience for those who enjoy genre-bending narratives.

The Lighting of the film, particularly in the erotic scenes, is noteworthy. The camera work in these scenes is exceptional, creating an ambiance that accentuates the charged chemistry between Eva and Rocco.

A Final Thought: Dark Impulse

The way Dark Impulse combines elements of a courtroom drama with those of an erotic thriller, echoes the tonal shifts seen in films such as Basic Instinct. It also reflects narrative elements seen in Body Heat, where the lines between law and desire, right and wrong, are obscured, creating a morally grey space that is as intriguing as it is unsettling. The film’s unique blend of genres sets it apart, while also drawing parallels with other classics in the erotic thriller category.

So, if you are a fan of such movies, give it a try. Dark Impulse is an interesting pick for those looking for a film that is not just a thriller but also explores into human psychology and sensuality.

For more international suggestions, click here.

If you are looking for a streaming site to watch this thriller, DM me at Insta/I_filmiholic.