Stephen (Tamil) Review: Inside the Mind of a Serial Killer

Introduction: A New Perspective on Psychopathy in Tamil Cinema

Just when it feels like cinematic portrayals of psychopaths have reached their limit, Stephen, a Tamil serial killer film streaming on Netflix, emerges to remind us of the hidden complexities within the human psyche. This film explores the darkest corners of the mind while offering screenwriters ample room to experiment with suspense and intrigue.

Meet Stephen Jebaraj: The Everyday Facade

Stephen Jebaraj, portrayed by Gomathi Shankar, initially appears as an unassuming everyman, the kind you might encounter on a city bus. Much like the film itself, which surprised many by being greenlit on a streaming platform still finding its footing in southern India, Stephen’s seemingly ordinary exterior hides a far more sinister reality. History has shown that the most dangerous individuals often appear harmless, a truth that Stephen exploits masterfully.

The Premise: A Familiar Yet Engaging Serial Killer Narrative

Over its two-hour runtime, Stephen presents what initially seems like a conventional serial killer story. Stephen surrenders to the police after murdering nine women, luring them under the guise of offering acting opportunities. The film’s production may appear modest, following a familiar serial-killer formula that includes a troubled childhood shaped by “mommy and daddy issues.”

Childhood Trauma: The Roots of Darkness

While the narrative of Stephen’s pathos may not immediately captivate, the film carefully unpacks the trauma inflicted by his parents. His father, an abusive alcoholic P.T.E. teacher, murders Stephen’s puppy and assaults his wife, while his mother, a bakery owner, ultimately turns the abuse back onto her son. This cyclical pattern of power and suffering is depicted with the metaphor of a Ferris wheel, trapping Stephen in a seemingly endless cycle of helplessness.

Investigators Enter the Scene: Michael and Seema

The story shifts when investigators Michael Thangadurai, a police officer, and Seema, a criminal psychologist played by Smruthi Venkat, begin examining Stephen’s past. They speculate about a potential third character influencing his actions. This narrative device keeps audiences guessing, offering just enough subversions to maintain suspense without becoming predictable.

Plot Twists and Character Complexity

The film carefully plays with audience expectations. Michael’s subtle interactions, Seema’s observations of Stephen as a pathological liar, and the revelation of a mysterious character contribute to a tension-filled narrative. The climax, in particular, elevates Stephen, making it stand out in the landscape of Tamil psychological thrillers.

Empathy and Psychological Engagement

One of the film’s striking qualities is its ability to evoke empathy for Stephen. Viewers find themselves questioning their own moral compass as they engage with his story. This psychological engagement, however, requires patience, as the film’s slower pacing sometimes diminishes its immediate impact.

Technical Execution: Room for Improvement

Despite its narrative strengths, Stephen struggles in technical execution. The music, sound design, and cinematography fail to consistently create a gripping atmosphere. Many scenes feel overacted or pretentious, with only Smruthi Venkat, Gomathi Shankar, and Vijayashree (Stephen’s mother) delivering convincingly nuanced performances.

Conclusion: Potential Unfulfilled but Promising

In the hands of a more experienced filmmaker, with tighter editing and a more deliberate cinematic language, Stephen could have emerged as a profound character study of a psychopath. While the film does not fully achieve this ambition, it lays the groundwork for future explorations, leaving viewers hopeful that director Mithun will refine his vision in upcoming projects.

Film Details:

• Director: Mithun
• Cast: Gomathi Shankar, Michael Thangadurai, Smruthi Venkat, Vijayashree
• Runtime: 123 minutes
• Storyline: A serial killer’s confession leads a cop and a criminal psychologist on a tense journey into his disturbed psyche.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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