Dybbuk

"Dybbuk: The Curse is Real" is a supernatural horror film that was released in India in 2021. The movie is directed by Jay K. and stars Emraan Hashmi, Nikita Dutta, and Manav Kaul in the lead roles. The narrative of Dybbuk is rooted in Jewish folklore and mysticism, specifically the concept of a dybbuk — a malicious possessing spirit believed to be the dislocated soul of a deceased person. The movie combines elements of psychological horror with traditional horror tropes, with the setting pivoting around the theme of cultural heritage and mythological hauntings.

The film opens with newlyweds Sam (played by Emraan Hashmi) and Mahi (played by Nikita Dutta), who have recently moved to Mauritius. As a naval officer, Sam has found a new posting on the island, and the couple is seeking to build a life there. They move into a secluded estate, surrounded by the lush landscapes and tranquil waters that characterise Mauritius, only to find that their new beginning is anything but ordinary.

Mahi, who has a deep-seated interest in antiques and vintage items, stumbles upon an ancient Jewish box at a local market and decides to bring it into their home as a decorative piece. Unbeknownst to her, the box is a dybbuk box—the housing of the dybbuk spirit, according to Jewish lore, which is capable of possessing the living. From this moment on, the couple's life turns upside down as they find themselves enmeshed in a haunting that is both relentless and terrifying.

As unexplainable events begin to unfold, it becomes clear that an insidious force has been unleashed from the box, manifesting around them with escalating intensity. While Sam remains skeptical at first, preferring to look for logical explanations, Mahi becomes increasingly convinced that what they're dealing with is beyond the realm of the natural world. This discordance between the rational and the supernatural becomes a central tension in their relationship as the narrative progresses.

The situation grows dire as the entity's influence permeates every corner of their home and lives, manifesting in a sinister series of disturbances and gore. The couple is compelled to seek help when it becomes obvious that the force they've unwittingly unleashed will not be easily subdued. At this juncture, they come across Rabbi Marcus (played by Manav Kaul), a Jewish scholar who understands the severity of what has come to pass. Rabbi Marcus becomes an influential figure in the story, as he possesses the knowledge that could be critical to solving the mystery of the dybbuk and freeing the couple from its malevolent grip.

As the narrative unfolds, the film delves into themes of history, religious belief, and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human understanding. The cinematography, along with the movie's haunting score, accentuates the eerie atmosphere, coupling beautifully filmed locations with a creeping sense of dread that effectively carries the story forward. The visuals are a significant aspect of this film, with various scenes meticulously crafted to convey the palpable tension and terror that underpin the story.

Dybbuk is in a league of its own within the Bollywood horror genre, with a deliberate move away from traditional Indian ghost stories to draw from Judeo-Christian mythos. Emraan Hashmi's performance as Sam is measured and impactful. His journey from a rational skeptic to someone engulfed in a nightmare beyond his control is palpable. Nikita Dutta portrays Mahi with a certain depth, bringing nuance to a character that is both vulnerable and resilient in the face of otherworldly adversity. Manav Kaul's portrayal of Rabbi Marcus is equally compelling, adding gravitas to a film that necessitates a balance between horror tropes and the sense of a deeper, ancient evil.

For viewers seeking a mix of jump scares and a slow-burning sense of horror, Dybbuk offers a story that is steeped in folklore yet modern in its execution. It plays upon the fear of the unknown with a narrative that is as much about the horrors that lie outside as it is about the ones that can fester within relationships when confronted with unknown and malevolent forces. Without delving into spoiler territory, the movie presents a gripping and engaging story that is likely to stay with the viewer long after the credits roll, especially for those with a penchant for supernatural horror cinema.