"Why am I still watching this?" I asked myself, as I reach about halfway through Shrish Kunder's Mrs. Serial Killer, a Netflix Original film that has just about nothing original about it.
Mrs. Serial Killer: Overview
When her husband is accused of and arrested for murder, Sona Mukherjee decides to take the law into her hands and prove her husband's innocence by committing a copy cat murder.
Watch Mrs. Serial Killer trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLRvbtMBo4c
Disclaimer: Please do not watch the movie on the basis of the overview given above. It can kill your brain cells.
Mrs. Serial Killer Review
It is one of those times I feel betrayal deep inside my soul. Why, Netflix, Why? I thought we had a deal! You were supposed to have great content on your platform!
I have been deceived, I tell you. After seeing the trailer and reading its official synopsis, I expected something, as anyone would. Unfortunately, Mrs. Serial Killer's plot does not quite progress from its trailer or synopsis. However, there is a silver lining (if you really want to see it). I learned my lesson to never have expectations from a Shrish Kunder movie, ever again. Or for that matter any movie I watch. Why; you ask? Let's get to it.
- A comedy that doesn't work
Shirish Kunder should probably try to master one genre before mixing any two. In Mrs. Serial Killer, the writer-director has attempted to blend Horror with Comedy as we see in the Kanchana series. Unfortunately for him and the viewers, the funny lines and scenes are just not funny. The reason could probably because you will be brain-dead due to the stunning performances of Jacqueline Fernandez and Mohit Raina (more on that later).
- Inconsistent emotions?
The movie may not have induced a sense of terror (save for the last 15 minutes or so), but what did worry me a little was Sona Mukherjee's mood swings. She is supposed to be a distraught wife desperately trying to save her husband, and yet, she ends up being switching moods frequently. She goes from sad to upbeat in a split second and basically is a mess throughout the movie. Was it the script or Jacqueline's acting, that was at fault, I cannot understand. Regardless, it was cringy and a full-blown attack to my senses.
- The victim seemed cooler than the protagonist herself
Aamir Khan's niece Zain Marie Khan shined in the few fighting scenes of hers. Her Taekwondo kicks seemed powerful and convincing. However, was it nepotism that made Kunder make Zain shine in the movie? Regardless of the reason, there is no doubt her performance was nimble but fell short while being stretched on a stretcher. Perhaps, she can make this a stepping stone to do better movies.
- Why, Mohit Rain? Just why?
Indian television's darling Lord Shiva, Mohit Raina stars in Mrs. Serial Killer as a police officer. The script, obviously, demanded the officer be shady, and Raina played the part wonderfully. But (isn't there always one?), even he cannot do much for a script and dialogue that is some shoddy work. So, Mohit Raina, tell me, why did you take up the role? Was it the desperation to get away from the image of Lord Shiva?
- Too little, Too Late
I am sure that those of you who have already watched this movie, did so for seeing an actor of great caliber-- Manoj Bajpai. If you sat through the movie, you know that the last 15 minutes of the movie was worth the wait. Bajpai gave an explosive performance that attempted to save the mess the rest of the movie was. However, it was too little, too late to save the movie that cannot be saved.
Final Verdict
So, should or shouldn't you watch it?
Well, if you are keen on killing your brain cells as you attempt to work from home and live through the lockdown, be my guest, watch Mrs. Serial Killer. Otherwise, it is best if you stayed a million miles away from the Netflix original film.
What's Next?
If you are like me, who was misled by Netflix into watching Mrs. Serial Killer and now have no clue what to do with your life, I have you covered. Here is what you can do after sitting through Mrs. Serial Killer:
- Cleanse your mind: You need the movie off your brain for the near future, to continue functioning. Therefore, I suggest you watch some good thriller movies like the Malayalam flick Anchaam Paathira, Psycho, Kahaani, Jasba, and many more. You can also read some great James Patterson books to experience authentic thriller stories.
- Swear to never watch or recommend it: Once you have been through that hell, do yourself a favor and never go back. And do not betray your friends by asking them to watch it. Better yet, let us swear to never watch another Shirish Kunder movie.
Did you watch the movie yet? Vent your frustrations with me in the comments down below.