A Satirical representation of domestic abuse in the film Darlings

Abstract

The study examines the representation of domestic violence in the film Darlings. It also aims to understand how the characters are represented in such abusive situations and how the film tries to show the abuse towards women despite being erratic lovers. In the film we see that Badhru and Hamza the lead characters have distinctively different personalities. However, we see another side of their personalities when they start abusing each other. The film takes a drastic turn when Hamza pushes pregnant Badhru off the staircase. After which she avenges her child death through violence towards her husband in the film.

Darlings understands that abuse’s tragedy lies in its pervasive malignancy rather than in a few horrifying acts of violence. It draws attention to how, in certain ways, the abuser is either a victim or a monster.