The Deserving

The Deserving is a fresh take on the psychological horror genre, offering a story filled with tension and emotion rather than relying on the usual jump scares and gore. The lead delivers a powerful performance as a mute protagonist haunted by his past, and the film's themes of trauma and redemption are woven in seamlessly.

That said, the movie does hold back on certain horror elements. Fans of more traditional horror may find themselves wishing for more blood, gore, or visceral scares. However, the lack of these elements allows the film to focus on a deeper narrative that resonates emotionally.

For those who prefer horror that's more psychological and thematic than outright terrifying, The Deserving is a unique and engaging watch. A solid effort, though a little more intensity in certain scenes would have elevated it further.

Trying to keep a low profile, a mute serial killer working as a freelance photographer is set to kill himself to no longer be haunted by the ghosts of his victims but is interrupted by a walk-in client unaware of the situation and tries to deal with his plans as well as his new client.

This was a massively disappointing and not worthwhile genre thriller. The main setup here doesn't allow us much of a chance to get to know anything that's going on due to the characters' condition. With the whole thing taking place with a mute character, there are no dynamics in place to keep this one interesting as it goes along with so many scenes requiring inference from promotional materials or outside sources to determine what's going on. Since we get nothing about him being a serial killer or why he's leaving such an obvious trail back to him in the first place due to the deaths supposedly taking place at the same location his photoshoot cover business is taking place so the disappearances are easily traced back to him, the story comes across as far too confusing for its own good simply because it's trying to lay out a gimmick it doesn't require. As well, there's far too much of the film simply relying on picking up hints about what's going on rather than outright spelling it out due to using this tactic. Since we never get to learn much about him beyond a series of flimsy excuses for a motivation based on a rough upbringing that is neither that interesting nor original due to the cliched nature of the setup, it's not that intriguing or original to see play out so the hauntings and depression don't register as much as they should with everything barreling towards the obvious from the very start. While it's chilling enough to see the ghostly figures here in their few sequences where they get to show off their deformed look which is quite creepy, it's not enough to keep this one up from the rest of the issues at play within this one.

Rated Unrated/R: Language and Violence.

From the opening scene to the closing credits, this psychological horror film captivates its audience with an unparalleled blend of emotion and thrills. The director's vision is artfully realized, and it's amazing how so few cast and crew members delivered something this spectacular.

The camera work is nothing short of stunning, each frame meticulously crafted to heighten the film's eerie atmosphere. The screenplay is solid, weaving a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling.

However, there were a few moments that could have benefitted from an extra dose of intensity to fully capitalize on the film's psychological tension. Unlike traditional horror films that rely on jump scares, this one opts for a deeper, more emotional approach-creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the film ends.

While the film is undeniably well-made, a bit more length would have allowed certain plot points to develop more fully, enriching the overall experience.

In conclusion, this is a finely crafted psychological horror film that stands out in its genre, delivering more than mere scares. It's a journey through the darker realms of the human psyche that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

This is a psychological horror that brilliantly combines suspense with a meaningful message. Venkat 's portrayal of Karter Sai, a man burdened by guilt and haunted by his past, is both haunting and captivating. The film's use of a mute protagonist adds an intriguing layer, showcasing the power of non-verbal storytelling.

Director Arora masterfully builds tension, blending supernatural elements with deep, emotional undertones. The film's exploration of trauma and redemption makes it stand out among indie horrors. A must-watch for fans of dark, thought-provoking cinema.

Overall a great watch for weekend.

At the outset, I am not necessarily a big fan of horror movies. Yet, The Deserving is far more than just a horror film-it's a poignant exploration of the human psyche, masterfully wrapped in a chilling narrative. The movie takes a step beyond the typical genre conventions, delving deep into the inner turmoil of its main character, reflecting the fragility of the human mind.

In a society where mental illness is increasingly prevalent, The Deserving invites viewers to confront the haunting realities of personal struggle. It paints a raw, relatable picture of how the protagonist's fears and insecurities manifest as external threats-blurring the lines between reality and imagination. "We could see ourselves relating to the storyline," not just because of its supernatural elements, but because it so skillfully mirrors the very real anxieties and emotions many of us grapple with in our daily lives.

Special shoutout to Venkat Sai Gunda and team for outstanding acting, screenplay and direction.