What Is Darlings About?
The premise of Darlings in 278 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the cramped, noisy world of a Mumbai chawl, Badru lives a life that feels both suffocating and absurd. Married to Hamza, a man whose drinking and volatile temper have turned everyday moments into fragile negotiations, she moves through a routine of quiet dread and relentless endurance. The narrow corridors and bustling community serve as a backdrop where laughter is often a mask for deeper pain, and the ordinary becomes a stage for a grimly comic survival.
Badru’s mother, Shamshu, is a fierce presence whose own history with domestic turmoil fuels a protective, if unconventional, counsel. Their bond forms a small island of solidarity amid a sea of uncertainty, each offering the other a lifeline and a whispered promise of change. Around them, neighbors like Zulfi—a jack‑of‑all‑trades who watches the household dynamics with a mix of empathy and curiosity—add texture to the tight‑knit environment, hinting at hidden alliances and quiet resistance.
The film’s tone balances sharp, dark humor with an unflinching look at the claustrophobia of abuse. It teeters between moments of bleak realism and absurdity, using the cramped chawl setting to amplify both the humor and the horror of Badru’s situation. As patience thins, she begins to contemplate a drastic course of action, a plan that feels both terrifyingly plausible and perversely hopeful.
With the support of her mother and the murmurs of the community, Badru’s resolve sets the stage for a narrative that pushes the boundaries of retribution and redemption. The story promises a tangled web of consequences, inviting viewers to wonder how far one will go when the walls close in and the only exit seems to lie through a darkly comic, yet uncertain, path.
What Happens in Darlings?
The complete story of Darlings, from the first scene to the last, in 625 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 4 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Hamza, portrayed by Vijay Varma, is a troubled alcoholic who subjects his wife, Badrunissa “Badru” Ansari, played by Alia Bhatt, to a relentless cycle of abuse night after night, enduring three miserable years of marriage. Determined to bring about change, Badru explores various avenues to help Hamza quit drinking, from secretly mixing anti-alcohol pills into his meals to boldly suggesting they have a child—using provocative means to manipulate him into wanting a family. Nonetheless, despite her desperate efforts, Hamza continues to delay starting a family and the abuse wears on Badru severely.
Complicating matters, Hamza becomes embroiled in a conflict with the local community, particularly concerning the renovation of their Chawl. He commits to participating in a crucial meeting with the builders but ultimately fails to show up. Meanwhile, Badru bravely attends in his stead, only to face further violence from Hamza when he learns of her involvement. The builder proposes modern apartments in exchange for the land they inhabit, but Hamza’s obstinacy holds the entire project hostage; he insists on leveraging another builder’s offer to demand double the rent.
The subplot thickens with the character of Zulfi, played by Roshan Mathew, who performs various jobs around the Chawl and becomes acutely aware of Badru’s ongoing suffering. Exhibiting great courage, he files a complaint against Hamza for his abusive behavior. Under Section 498A, the police intervene, and Hamza is arrested, yet he remains manipulative even behind bars, promising Badru that he’ll reform if they have a child. When Badru manages to secure Hamza’s release, the cycle of abuse sadly continues.
As the tension elevates, Hamza uncovers the shocking truth about his deteriorating health; he has cirrhosis of the liver. Upon learning that Badru is pregnant, he feigns a commitment to stop drinking, but it becomes clear that his compliance is rooted in fear for his life rather than genuine concern for Badru. His paranoia spirals as he discovers that Zulfi is the one who reported him, leading to an extreme act of violence against Badru. In a shocking turn of events, he pushes her down the stairs, resulting in a miscarriage—a harrowing moment that reveals the true monster lurking within him, free from the influence of alcohol.
After this tragic incident, Badru resolves to turn the tables on Hamza. In a powerful role reversal, she begins to inflict the same torment upon him, using sleeping pills to subdue him before enacting her vengeance. While Hamza’s work supervisor, Ticket Collector Damle, becomes suspicious of the women’s stories, Badru and her mother, Shamshunissa “Shamshu” Ansari, attempt to cover for Hamza’s absence. They are ultimately confronted when Damle uncovers their deceit.
As a series of events unfolds, Hamza cunningly escapes, manipulating Zulfi into believing his only goal is to protect Badru and Shamshu. This leads to chaotic misunderstandings and a police inquiry that casts suspicion on Zulfi, prompting additional complexities in their lives.
While Hamza attempts to take his story to the police, claiming to be the victim of torture, his intoxicated state leads to disbelief from authorities. Meanwhile, Badru, Shamshu, and Zulfi manage to uncover Hamza’s whereabouts, adding to the chaos. In a climactic twist, as plans to end Hamza’s life unfold, Badru grapples with the gravity of her actions, ultimately choosing to untie him before catastrophe occurs.
Tragedy strikes when Hamza meets his end, run over by a train, leading to a somber realization for Badru. In the aftermath, Shamshu discloses her past with domestic violence, revealing a history of abuse that culminated in murder, compelling Badru to understand her choices and to find solace in her decision to leave Hamza behind. Following Hamza’s funeral, Badru feels a sense of liberation and hope for a brighter future, finally free from the chains of their toxic relationship.
Darlings Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Hamza's Abuse Begins” to “Shamshu's Confession”.
- 1
Hamza's Abuse Begins
Hamza, an alcoholic, subjects his wife Badru to a relentless cycle of abuse. This torment continues night after night for the first three years of their marriage, creating a toxic and painful environment for Badru.
- 2
Badru's Desperate Efforts
In an attempt to help Hamza quit drinking, Badru secretly mixes anti-alcohol pills into his meals. She also provocatively suggests they start a family, hoping to manipulate him into wanting a child.
- 3
Community Conflict
Hamza becomes embroiled in a conflict over the renovation of their Chawl. He fails to attend a crucial meeting with builders, leading Badru to step in and advocate for themselves, a decision that will have dire consequences.
- 4
Hamza's Anger Unleashed
When Hamza discovers that Badru attended the meeting in his absence, he retaliates with further violence. His continued refusal to negotiate with the builders threatens their housing situation.
- 5
Zulfi's Intervention
Zulfi, who works around the Chawl, takes note of Badru's suffering and courageously files a complaint against Hamza. This leads to police intervention and Hamza's arrest under Section 498A for domestic abuse.
- 6
Manipulation from Behind Bars
While imprisoned, Hamza manipulates Badru by promising to change if they have a child. His threats force Badru into a position where she feels compelled to secure his release, perpetuating the cycle of abuse.
- 7
Hamza's Deteriorating Health
Hamza discovers he has cirrhosis of the liver, a grim realization that only heightens his paranoia. Despite this, he pretends to show commitment to abstaining from alcohol upon learning about Badru's pregnancy.
- 8
Tragic Miscarriage
In a shocking act of violence driven by his paranoia, Hamza pushes Badru down the stairs after suspecting she confided in Zulfi about him. This results in a miscarriage and highlights the depths of his cruelty.
- 9
Badru's Vengeance
After the tragedy, Badru shifts into a role of vengeance against Hamza. She begins to drug him with sleeping pills, planning to inflict the same suffering upon him that he inflicted on her.
- 10
Confrontation with Damle
Hamza's supervisor, Ticket Collector Damle, grows suspicious of the women’s stories. Badru and her mother, Shamshu, find themselves scrambling to cover for Hamza's absence as Damle uncovers the truth.
Show the other 5 events of Darlings Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Hamza's Manipulative Escape
Hamza cunningly escapes suspicion and manipulates Zulfi into thinking he is trying to protect Badru and Shamshu. This leads to chaotic misunderstandings and a police inquiry that complicates their lives.
- 12
Life-Changing Realization
As chaos unfolds, Badru grapples with the gravity of her intended actions to end Hamza's life. In a moment of clarity, she decides against violence and chooses to untie him before any tragedy transpires.
- 13
Hamza's Untimely Death
In a tragic turn of events, Hamza is run over by a train, marking the end of his abusive reign. This shocking conclusion leaves Badru to reflect on the tumultuous relationship they shared.
- 14
Badru's Path to Liberation
After Hamza's funeral, Badru feels a profound sense of liberation. She begins to understand the impact of her choices and looks forward to a brighter future, free from the toxic bond she shared with Hamza.
- 15
Shamshu's Confession
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Shamshu reveals her own history with domestic violence, sharing the painful details of her past. This revelation helps Badru process her situation and reinforces her decision to leave Hamza behind.
Who Are the Main Characters in Darlings?
3 characters, among them Badrunissa Sheikh (Badru) - Alia Bhatt, Hamza Sheikh - Vijay Varma and Zulfi - Roshan Mathew: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
-
Badrunissa Sheikh (Badru) - Alia Bhatt
Played by Alia Bhatt
Badru is a dedicated and resilient woman who endures years of abuse from her husband, Hamza. Her attempts to change his behavior demonstrate her determination, although they are met with escalating violence. As the story unfolds, she transforms from a victim into a figure of empowerment, actively seeking her liberation from the toxic cycle.
- 👩❤️👨 Love
- 😞 Victim
- 💪 Empowerment
-
Hamza Sheikh - Vijay Varma
Played by Vijay Varma
Hamza is portrayed as a deeply troubled individual, struggling with alcoholism which fuels his abusive behavior. His character embodies the complexity of a man caught in his vices, yet his manipulative tendencies continue to jeopardize his relationship with Badru. His journey of denial and violence culminates in tragic consequences.
- 🍺 Alcoholism
- 😠 Abuser
- 🔄 Manipulative
-
Zulfi - Roshan Mathew
Played by Roshan Mathew
Zulfi is a compassionate character who recognizes Badru's plight and bravely stands up against her abuser. He plays a pivotal role in seeking justice for her, despite facing the backlash of Hamza's violence. His moral integrity and courage highlight the importance of allies in the pursuit of justice.
- 🤝 Ally
- ⚔️ Courage
- 📜 Justice-Seeker
Where and When Is Darlings Set?
Darlings is set in Chawl. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie does not specify a distinct time period but reflects contemporary issues faced in society concerning domestic violence, alcoholism, and the complexities of relationships. The struggles depicted are relevant to today's world, where such themes remain prevalent, highlighting ongoing societal challenges.
Where
Chawl
The Chawl serves as a crucial backdrop for the film, highlighting the struggles and dynamics of community living. It is known for its tight-knit environment where residents face both shared challenges and conflict, often leading to tensions among them. The renovation plans symbolize a clash between modern development and their traditional way of life.
- 🏢 Community
- 🇮🇳 India
What Are the Themes of Darlings?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Abuse, Justice and Empowerment.
-
01
Abuse
The theme of abuse permeates the movie, showcasing the harrowing experiences faced by Badru in her marriage. It illustrates the complexities of domestic violence, where love intermingles with fear and manipulation. This theme is further explored through Badru's transformation and her eventual role reversal, shedding light on the cycle of abuse.
-
02
Justice
Justice is a prominent theme as Badru navigates the legal system and seeks help for her abusive marriage. The involvement of community members and law enforcement underscores the challenges that victims face in seeking justice. Zulfi’s brave act of filing a complaint against Hamza highlights the importance of standing up against wrongdoing.
-
03
Empowerment
The evolution of Badru's character from a victim to someone who takes control marks a crucial theme of empowerment. Throughout her journey, she discovers her strength and ability to turn the tables on her abuser. This transformation ultimately leads to her liberation, sending a powerful message about resilience and self-empowerment.
How Does Darlings End?
The last act of Darlings and what it means, in 306 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
In the climax of “Darlings,” Badru manages to outsmart her abusive husband, Hamza. She records a video of him claiming he will leave everything behind and return to his village, believing this will be proof of his intention to walk away from her and their unborn child. However, her true plan is darker; she intends to eliminate him permanently. Hamza is drugged and taken to the railway tracks where Badru has planned his supposed escape. Just as she is about to push him into the oncoming train, Badru experiences a moment of clarity and recognizes that killing him would make them no better than him or worse—she chooses not to go through with it. Instead, she saves him, but Hamza, enraged and refusing to accept his downfall, threatens to kill her as he had threaten her during their marriage. In a final act of desperation, Hamza is run over by the train, but everyone perceives it as his suicide, driven by the video Badru had made, which was meant to look like a farewell or a suicide note.
In the aftermath, the women in the story—Badru, her mother Shamshunissa, and the other women around her—connect through their shared understanding of survival within oppressive patriarchal structures. Shamshunissa and Badru had previously taken control by kidnapping Hamza, symbolizing their reclaiming of power. The film closes with Badru walking into the cinema hall alone, now unshackled by the violence and control that once defined her life. She is shown enjoying her own company, signifying her transformation into a woman who is independent and self-reliant. The ending underscores a powerful message about resilience and the strength women find in unity and self-empowerment, even amid brutality and oppression. Despite the film’s narrative flaws, this ending leaves viewers with a sense of hope and the possibility of rebirth through rebellion and self-acceptance.
What Kind of Film Is Darlings?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A darkly comedic yet intensely heavy thriller that immerses the viewer in the claustrophobic reality of domestic abuse, building a tense and cathartic atmosphere of revenge and eventual, costly liberation.
- oppressive
- vengeful
- tense
- cathartic
- somber
- anxious
- domestic abuse
- revenge
- addiction
- cycle of violence
Content notes: domestic abuse, physical violence, miscarriage, addiction, emotional manipulation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Darlings? Test yourself on the story.
