Review: Dies Irae - Standard But Effective

 

Movie: Dies Irae
Rating: 3.0/5

Cast: Pranav Mohanlal, Gibin Gopinath, Jaya Kurup, and others

Director: Rahul Sadasivan

Produced By: Night Shift Studios, YNOT Studios

Release Date: 07-11-2025

Story:

Dies Irae follows the story of Rohan Shankar (Pranav Mohanlal), a rich youngster who learns that his ex-girlfriend Kani (Sushmita Bhat) has committed suicide while partying with his friends in Kochi. After visiting her house, Rohan starts experiencing strange incidents, and the rest of the film explores how these events are connected to Kani’s past.

Performances:

Pranav Mohanlal delivers an impressive performance. His expressions in fear-driven scenes are spot-on, and he handles emotional moments effectively. Gibin Gopinath adds depth to the film with his sincere acting, while Jaya Kurup shines in a key role. The rest of the cast performs well in their parts.

What Works:

Director Rahul Sadasivan gives a psychological layer to a regular mystery-thriller setup. A few scenes feature clever foreshadowing, such as the close-up of the buffalo and the eerie tension before the final act. The film includes some well-crafted jump scares in both halves, keeping the atmosphere intense.

The twist near the pre-climax is engaging, and the emotional touch toward the end works nicely, especially the moment when Rohan undergoes a change of heart and helps another person, adding a moving feel to the climax. The sound design and visuals enhance the mood and elevate several key moments.

What Doesn't Work:

However, the film’s plot becomes predictable as it progresses. There are no real surprises in the film regarding the story or proceedings, and some questions remain unanswered, such as the ghost’s selective behavior and the unclear reason behind Kani’s suicide. The clichéd cliffhanger-style ending after the climax also feels unnecessary.

Dies Irae Review And Verdict:

Rahul Sadasivan’s Dies Irae is an engaging horror movie. Although the beginning feels familiar and the film has some moments that give off a typical vibe, it impresses with some well-crafted jump scares. The visuals and sound design create the right impact, though the ending could have been stronger.