Tumbbad — greed in the rain

Spoiler-free review.

The atmosphere in Tumbbad is stunning. The rain, dark interiors, and decaying buildings make the place feel damp enough to reach through the screen. Long before the danger is fully visible, the setting has already made returning there seem like a terrible idea.

The greed is what makes the story work. The treasure isn't some harmless quest — it's something people keep making room for, even when it costs them. Sohum Shah plays the desire with a stubborn, practical edge. You can see how someone might turn a dangerous risk into a habit.

The visual storytelling is stronger than any explanation could be. Light reveals just enough of a space to make you worry about the rest, and the fantasy elements feel connected to the physical world around them. The monster matters, but so does the journey towards it.

Some of the dialogue spells out the lesson about greed pretty clearly. I was already getting that from the choices and the visuals, so a few lines felt redundant. The family story also moves quickly in places, but it doesn't really hurt the feeling of the world.

8/10. A horror-fantasy with a strong sense of place. The atmosphere is the main reason to watch, and it makes the temptation at the heart of the story feel dangerous every time.

Directed by Rahi Anil Barve and Adesh Prasad · 2018 · Hindi. Film details · Poster source. Artwork © its respective rights holders.

— Desly