Cannes 2024 Short Take: Radhika Apte is Phenomenal in Sister Midnight

A phenomenal Radhika Apte powers Sister Midnight, a delicious, dark, comedy about a newly married bride. Uma moves to Mumbai after her arranged marriage, into a tiny shack on the side of the road, with a husband who is mostly drunk and petrified of sex. She has no talent for cooking or creating a home. At one point, her husband asks, “Why can’t you be like everyone else?” But Uma is nothing like anyone you’ve ever met and eventually she gives into her more feral desires.  

Director Karan Kandhari and editor Napoleon Stratogiannakis create a slicing narrative rhythm that mirrors Uma’s increasing rage. There are extended sequences – especially one at the beginning of the film – with minimal dialogue that showcase Karan’s distinctive voice as a filmmaker. The film is purposefully disjointed and there are moments here that will make you laugh out loud.  

This is an audacious, ambitious film which throws in eclectic music choices and stop-motion animation. Above all, it’s a sandbox for Radhika to play in. Who knew that she was also such a gifted comedian?

Sister Midnight played in Directors’ Fortnight at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.