Expecting a divine voice to sound like a classic god? Think again. In “Karmadonna,” the character Yelena, played by Jelena Dokic, hears from an eccentric, edgy deity called Siddharta. He communicates through unexpected means, adding a unique twist to the familiar theme of divine intervention. This lively story explores the mix of divine power and human struggles in a gripping way.
Directed by Aleksandar Radivojevic, known for his work on “A Serbian Film,” the film is as thrilling as it is quirky. It probes the question of how much real power a deity has in a world dominated by the rich and powerful. The movie’s vibrant energy keeps viewers engaged, but its length may overshadow its deeper ideas at times.
Yelena isn’t just any ordinary protagonist. Pregnant and “called” by Siddharta, she initially questions who is talking to her. This changes when she witnesses a possessed child causing chaos. From then on, she is thrust into a whirlwind of violent tasks, representing a fresh spin on religious themes—imagine a warrior Mother Mary. The stakes are high as Siddharta demands she eliminate several unsavory characters to protect her unborn child.
Jelena expertly portrays Yelena’s blend of fear and determination. Her careful nature makes her journey even more compelling, especially as she faces dangerous individuals, from a harassing cab driver to manipulative authors. While murder isn’t her forte, her pregnancy adds layers to her character. Unlike typical revenge-driven heroes, her focus on self-preservation makes for exciting conflicts throughout the film.
On another note, Sergej Trifunović’s vocal performance as Siddharta is memorable. He blends humor with harsh truths—pointing out how globalization leads to moral decay. When asked why he doesn’t just handle these villains himself, Siddharta notes how corporate might protects them. This highlights an uncomfortable truth: powerful people can distort justice to fit their desires.
The narrative follows Yelena as she confronts a range of villains in outlandish ways, with the action fueled by Đorđe Miljenović’s vibrant score. Yet, there are moments where the music feels more prominent than the action itself, drawing attention away from the unfolding chaos.
Cinematographer Aleksandar Jakonic brings energy to the visuals, reminiscent of Sam Raimi’s playful camera work in “Evil Dead.” The camera glides through scenes, creating tension in Yelena’s encounters while providing darkly humorous contrasts during violent moments. One particularly amusing scene involves two henchmen under Siddharta’s control, head-butting each other, much to Yelena’s frustration as she tries to navigate her mission.
Ultimately, “Karmadonna” provides a thrilling exploration of vengeance through Yelena’s eyes, albeit often leaving viewers feeling uneasy. Its willingness to shy away from neat resolutions makes it equally thought-provoking and unsettling. As society increasingly grapples with moral dilemmas, this film serves as a grim reminder that our paths often diverge into darkness.
Mark this film as a fascinating, if disturbing, piece that prompts viewers to reflect on how far they’d go when pushed by forces beyond their control.
“Karmadonna” made its debut at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is seeking U.S. distribution.
Source link
Film,Karmadonna,Reviews,TIFF
