You are here:

Darlings

Name: Darlings
Director: Jasmeet K Reen
Released: 2022
Duration: 134 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

2022

TV-14

Director

Jasmeet K Reen

Runtime

134 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Darlings is a dark satire that dismantles traditional patriarchal hierarchies by highlighting the ability to act of Badru and her mother. It replaces the cliché of the victim with proactive, albeit chaotic, autonomy. The narrative uses moral relativism to question the sanctity of social institutions when they fail to protect individuals. However, the film remains narrow in its demographic scope, operating within a strictly straight-centered and culturally homogeneous framework. It does not include LGBTQ+ identities or characters with disabilities, nor does it attempt to diversify its primary cast or explore broader multi-layered identities.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Darlings have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a traditional domestic setting and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives to challenge conventional structures.

How does Darlings portray gender?

Excellent

Badru evolves from a vulnerable position to one of decisive action. The story emphasizes female intellect and strategic planning, subverting the stereotype of the passive female character.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Darlings?

Fair

The cast reflects a specific cultural context in contemporary Delhi, providing a localized look at Indian urban identity.

How does Darlings represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The narrative questions the sanctity of the family unit when it becomes oppressive. It portrays vigilantism as a justified response to systemic domestic issues.

Does Darlings include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities playing central roles or driving the plot.

Present on Screen

Strong subversion of gender hierarchies by emphasizing female intellect and strategic planning.
Sophisticated use of moral relativism to challenge traditional social and familial norms.
Localized exploration of contemporary Indian urban identity.

Limited or Absent

Lack of LGBTQ+ representation or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth narratives.
No inclusion of characters with visible or invisible disabilities.
Limited racial and ethnic diversity within the primary cast.

Official Synopsis

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.

How are these scores produced? →