Watch Strawberry

Strawberry is a 2015 Indian Tamil horror film written and directed by Pa. Vijay, who also stars in the leading role alongside an ensemble cast featuring Samuthirakani, Devayani, Avani Modi, Robo Shankar, and others. The film blends elements of horror, suspense, and social commentary, delivering a narrative that is both chilling and thought-provoking.

The plot of Strawberry revolves around a series of unexplained, eerie events that begin to occur in relation to a young girl's death. Pa. Vijay plays Saravanan, a cab driver, who is the central character of the story. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters supernatural events connected to his cab. As the story unfolds, Saravanan's backstory and his motivations are gradually revealed, giving the audience insight into his character and his association with the titular 'strawberry', which is an interesting symbolic reference in the movie.

Samuthirakani portrays an investigative officer whose skepticism about the paranormal is challenged by the incidents piling up in front of him. His pragmatic approach to the situation showcases his acting prowess and adds a level of groundedness to the supernatural plot. Devayani, in her role, provides a key emotional anchor to the story, her character being crucial to the unfolding mystery and the exploration of motherhood and loss.

The young girl pivotal to the story's supernatural elements brings a haunting innocence to the narrative. Her presence, though intangible, is felt throughout the movie as the catalyst to a series of both terrifying and revealing events. It's through her "eyes" that the audience uncovers the darker realities that the film seeks to highlight.

One of Strawberry's unique aspects is its fusion of horror with a message. While staying true to the conventions of a horror flick—complete with jump scares, a suspenseful soundtrack, and eerie cinematography—it also boldly addresses contemporary social issues. Pa. Vijay utilizes the supernatural framework to comment on the materialism and moral corruption prevalent in modern society, thereby elevating the film above standard genre fare.

The director does not shy away from critiquing the social structures that often ignore the plight of individuals suffering from the consequences of those with power and privilege. In this way, Strawberry maintains a delicate balance between entertainment and education, making the audience ponder long after the credits roll.

The technical aspects of the movie, such as the cinematography and music, have a significant role in building up the movie's tense atmosphere. The clever use of lighting and camera angles enhances the spine-chilling experience, while the background score adeptly complements the film's overall mood. Visual effects are employed to create an immersive experience without overshadowing the story's emotional core.

Comedic relief in the film is sparingly and strategically placed so as not to detract from the seriousness of the central theme. Characters like Robo Shankar provide occasional moments of levity that serve to momentarily lighten the movie's intense tone. However, the horror element remains the driving force throughout the narrative.

Speaking of performances, the ensemble cast delivers commendably, with each actor embracing the gravity of their respective roles and contributing to the film's haunting ambiance. Pa. Vijay's portrayal of Saravanan is particularly noteworthy; he navigates his character's growth and revelations with sensitivity and conviction. The audiences are bound to sympathize with Saravanan's predicament and root for him as he delves deeper into the unsettling and dangerous mystery.

The young actress playing the mysterious girl does an exceptional job of portraying vulnerability and ethereality, leaving a lasting impression despite her spectral character's silence in the narrative. Her character symbolizes innocence lost and highlights the repercussions of societal negligence.

Strawberry aims to be more than just a horror movie—it's an experience that intertwines the scare factor with a heartfelt storyline and a critical eye towards societal injustices. It does not solely focus on providing chills but also attempts to evoke a more profound understanding of the themes it portrays.

In conclusion, Strawberry stands apart from traditional horror films by effectively intertwining elements of supernatural suspense with poignant social commentary. It's a movie that seeks to entertain and enlighten, leaving the audience with a residue of both fear and contemplation. The performances, along with the skillful direction and thought-provoking script, make this film a memorable addition to the Tamil horror genre. If you're a fan of films that blend genre conventions with deeper messages, Strawberry could be a refreshing and unsettling watch that you're likely to remember for its ambition to transcend the boundaries of its genre.

Strawberry is a 2018 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.