Sister Midnight Review

Sister Midnight Review – Dark Comedy Gem: Underrated 2025 Highlight with Near-Perfect Rotten Tomatoes Score

As of January 26, 2026, Sister Midnight (released May 16, 2025 in the US/UK, later in India) stands as one of the most delightfully twisted and criminally under-the-radar films of the year. Written and directed by Karan Kandhari, this bold Indian-origin dark comedy-horror hybrid — starring the phenomenal Radhika Apte — has earned near-universal acclaim, boasting a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer of 98% (Certified Fresh, based on 80+ critics) with a consensus declaring: “Mocking the pressures of matrimony with a sly wink, Sister Midnight is a thrilling genre-bender that’s impossible to predict.” Frequently listed among the top comedies and overall best films of 2025 on Rotten Tomatoes rankings, it has quietly become a critical darling, sparking cult buzz, festival love (premiered at Cannes in 2024), and growing calls for wider recognition — even landing spots in year-end “best overlooked gems” lists.

Here are some striking official posters and key visuals from the campaign, capturing the film’s eerie, off-kilter energy and Radhika Apte’s commanding presence:

(Imagine here: vibrant, unsettling posters — one featuring Apte in a saree holding a mop under dim streetlights evoking Taxi Driver vibes, another bold theatrical one-sheet with surreal, darkly comic framing.)

These posters highlight the film’s sly, subversive tone — a mix of deadpan absurdity, creeping dread, and sharp social satire wrapped in vibrant, unsettling visuals.

Plot Overview (Spoiler-Free)

The story centers on Uma (Radhika Apte), a spirited woman thrust into an arranged marriage in Mumbai with a meek, spineless husband who flees on their wedding night. Left alone in a strange new life, Uma’s quiet frustration morphs into something far darker and more liberating as she embraces her independence in increasingly bizarre, macabre, and hilariously unhinged ways. What begins as a satirical take on marital expectations spirals into a wild genre mash-up of dark comedy, psychological horror, and surreal empowerment tale. Shot with bold colors, offbeat framing, and a dryly funny script, the taut 1-hour-45-minute runtime blends awkward domestic cringe, grotesque twists, and pointed commentary on gender roles, tradition, and self-reinvention — all without ever losing its wicked sense of humor.

Here are intense stills from the film showcasing Apte’s transformative performance and Kandhari’s distinctive, quirky visual style:

(Imagine here: striking scenes of Apte in intense, expressive close-ups, surreal domestic moments, and darkly humorous confrontations that mix comedy with unease.)

Critical & Audience Reception

Critics hailed it as a “darkly funny masterpiece” (Roger Ebert) and “a shape-shifting delight that’s equal parts macabre and mischievous” (The New York Times) — a rare indie that nails both laughs and chills. Highlights include:

• Radhika Apte‘s “fantastic,” career-highlight performance — fierce, funny, and utterly committed.
• Karan Kandhari‘s assured debut direction: confident, unpredictable, and thematically sharp without heavy-handedness.
• The film’s audacious genre-blending — Wes Anderson-esque quirk meets horror absurdity.
• Sharp satire on arranged marriage pressures and patriarchal expectations, delivered with wicked wit.

A few called it “too weird” or “deliberately paced,” but the overwhelming consensus is ecstatic — it’s one of 2025’s freshest, most original voices. Audiences who discovered it (often via streaming or festivals) raved about its bold humor, unsettling turns, and empowering core, making it a word-of-mouth hit among indie fans. It ranked high on Rotten Tomatoes’ best comedies and overall 2025 lists, with endorsements from critics praising its “blistering vision” and “joyous grotesquery.”

Why It Could Be the Underrated Gem of 2025 (My Analysis)

1. Kandhari’s Fresh Voice — A striking debut that channels influences like early PTA quirk and Indian new-wave boldness into something wholly original — funny, disturbing, and thematically rich.
2. Comparison to 2025 Peers — In a year of big-budget epics and blockbusters, Sister Midnight stands out as a lean, mean indie that punches way above its weight — more unpredictable than many “safe” comedies, more biting than straight horror.
3. Fan & Cultural Impact — It sparked debates on marriage tropes, female agency in cinema, and the joy of “unpleasant” dark comedies. Cult status is building fast, with fans calling it “the sleeper hit we needed.”
4. Personal Take — This is indie filmmaking at its cheekiest and bravest: visually inventive, emotionally honest, and laugh-out-loud funny in the darkest moments. Apte owns every frame, and the film’s refusal to play it safe makes it unforgettable. In a crowded 2025, it’s the kind of hidden treasure that rewards discovery — yes, it’s one of the year’s true highlights.

Where to Watch Sister Midnight (Now Available)

• Streaming — Available on various platforms (check local services like MUBI, Prime Video, or indie streamers), rent/buy on Fandango at Home, Amazon, Apple TV, YouTube, etc.

What do you think—does Sister Midnight deserve more hype as a 2025 standout, or do you prefer bigger, flashier films? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 🍿