Asvins – Netflix Review (2/5)

ASVINS on Netflix is a new horror-thriller that plays out like a nightmarish fairytale featuring a demon. Based on folklore, this movie is shot in England but features a cast of actors from India. Read our full Asvins movie review here!

ASVINS is a new Netflix horror-thriller of very high production quality and with a story that should catch many viewers’ attention. Unfortunately – for me, anyway – it just became too long and quite repetitive.

Having said that, I also couldn’t help but find it strangely alluring. If you’re in the mood for a story that feels like a fairytale at first, but turns into a nightmare, and is made as a straight-up horror movie, then do check it out.

Continue reading our Asvins movie review below. Find it on Netflix on July 20, 2023.

Strong found footage opening

When Asvins opens, it’s actually with a rather long opening scene. Or rather, it first sets the stage by explaining the folklore story about a demon via gorgeous animation, then comes the opening sequence which lasts for 10-15 minutes.

After that, we get to the actual title card and the story begins.

I have to admit that the entire opening sequence of both the animated storytelling and the found footage vibe, had me very excited about this movie. Sure, there’s the odd “hold on, let me point the camera and only light source at myself rather than the dangers”-moment. Yes, it’s silly, but it’s also the most common found footage “error”.

Ancient demons vs YouTubers

The story in Asvins features a group of YouTubers, who have taken a different – but well-paying – gig at an old mansion. While there, they accidentally unleash a 1500-year-old demonic force. 

If this sounds both interesting and a bit crazy, it’s because that’s exactly what it is.

Personally, I enjoyed how this played out at an old and huge mansion in England, but all the main characters are from various parts of India. You do also need to pay attention and especially listen towards the end.

The Asvins ending is actually really strong. Both the events and scenes leading up to the end and the very final moments. Again, listen to understand exactly what the ending of Asvins on Netflix is!

Watch Asvins on Netflix now!

Tarun Teja Mallareddy is the director of Asvins and also co-wrote the screenplay with Yogesh Sudhakara Mallineni. A little trivia for you: Yogesh Sudhakara Mallineni was in the casting department on the multi-award-winning megahit RRR (2022) which won “Original Song” at the Academy Awards.

I’ve watched quite a few movies based on folklore from a part of India, and while this one is interesting, I wasn’t all that thrilled with the movie overall. I very much prefer movies that let the story play out in old times instead. Forget all about modern found footage and just go the fairytale route.

Obviously, that’s simply my preference, but if you also like the horror fairytale style, then be sure to check out Tumbbad. And, obviously, give Asvins a shot on Netflix as well. A solid production and interesting plot, but a runtime that is longer than it needs to be.

Asvins is out on Netflix from July 20, 2023.

Details

Director: Tarun Teja Mallareddy
Writers: Tarun Teja Mallareddy, Yogesh Sudhakara Mallineni
Cast: Malina, Muralidaran, Saraswathi Menon, Udhaya Deep, Vasanth Ravi, Vimala Raman