Mala (2026) Movie Script
1
[wind blowing]
[music]
[electricity crackles]
[music]
[narrator] The ancient art
of Tantra has been dreaded
and misunderstood for
its ritualistic practices,
mantra chanting,
and carnal sins.
But if practiced right,
it can raise one's consciousness
to an ultimate
sense of liberation.
Sadly, most tantric
practitioners
do not reach their
full consciousness
and get stuck in dark rituals
from which they're
not able to withdraw.
[thunder]
[man chanting]
[woman] Mala.
[door creaking]
[echoing]
Mala...
[water bubbling]
[indistinct voices]
[music]
[seagulls squawking]
[captain] OK, guys and girls,
we're about to dock.
Welcome to the island
of relaxation
and self-reflection.
Welcome to Samskara.
[music]
Thank you.
Your resort will
have a pool, right?
There's gotta be a pool.
Wow, Reema, whose aunt
leaves an abandoned resort
on an island in the
middle of nowhere?
Yeah. I wish my
aunt would leave me
something cool like that.
My aunt just left me
a pen set with no ink.
Do you know how hard
it is to find ink?
[Shiv] I'm still confused.
Lola's your cousin,
but this aunt isn't
related in any way to her?
How many times do I have to
tell you this, you coconut?
Real Indian people
say they're cousins
when they're not
actually cousins.
And we call men who we aren't
related to our uncle and--
And women who aren't our
actual aunties auntie.
Exactly.
[perfume atomizer misting]
[coughs]
Do you see that guy?
What guy?
Oh, maybe it's
the imaginary Robert
that was meant to pick
us up an hour ago?
Island time, I guess.
[cart horn honking]
I--I think that's him.
[music]
So are we going to him
or is he coming to us?
-Is that actually him?
-Chill out, Lola.
If he tries anything, just
bug spray him to death.
[Robert] I'm Robert,
the property manager.
You must be Reema.
No, that's me.
Hello. Nice to meet you, madam.
Madam and her guests
will be staying
at the property for a while?
Just a week,
enough time to clean
up the estate and...
And you, madam, will also be
staying with us for just a week.
Excuse me.
I don't mean to indulge
myself in your affairs.
The property belongs to you now,
and you can come and go
as you please.
If I may.
No, that's OK, Robert.
Reema, please. Let the nice
guy carry my 20-pound backpack.
[chuckles]
Madam, I insist.
After you, madam.
Guys, thank you so
much for coming with me.
I don't think I could
have done it by myself.
A free trip to a crazy
island paradise for a week?
Not a hard sell.
But for real,
Reema, we're stoked.
He means grateful.
Thanks for having us.
It means a lot.
Guys, there's gotta
be Wi-Fi, right?
[scoffs]
[music]
Robert, before you picked us up,
I thought I saw
someone watching us.
On this island, all
the folk are curious...
...about the people
who come from outside.
Nothing to be concerned about.
I didn't realize it
would take this long.
This island must be pretty big.
[Robert] I took
a slight diversion,
just so we could get
a sense of Samskara.
I was wondering, Does
that mean anything?
It has many different meanings.
But the one I choose to like
the best is a rite of passage.
Welcome to Samskara.
[shuts off engine]
Is this it?
We did our best to be
a very discreet resort
so that our guests
can truly relax.
Let me show you.
[Lola] Does anybody
else have signal?
[Robert] This island is,
how you say, disconnected.
No phones, no internet.
It helps keep us grounded.
Yeah, Lola, a break
from your phone
might be a good thing.
You do have TV, though, right?
TV? [laughs]
You know, you may want
to update your location.
I couldn't find you online
or on any travel websites.
Our guests are by
invitation only.
So no Wi-Fi, no TV.
You must have a pool, right?
[Robert] Why have a pool
when you're surrounded
by the ocean?
[music]
[Shiv] Not bad, Reema.
You inherited a
beachfront property.
So, Robert, where
did my aunt stay?
In the master suite.
Dorothy, my wife,
is our resident chef.
She has prepared a few
dishes for your lunch.
We have our own personal chef?
Do we really have our own chef?
[Robert] Yes.
She can prepare all
your dishes for you
if you so choose.
Madam, did you happen to
decide what you're gonna do
with the staff attached
to the property?
[chuckles]
Um, I guess
I'd like to continue
on with the old setup.
As you wish, madam.
[music]
I'm going to the beach.
Wait, Kalyan.
Let's at least settle in first,
decide where we'll sleep,
and maybe see what
rooms need to be cleaned.
And then we can have fun.
Cool.
Whatever bidding madam requires.
And I'd like to take my
high tea in the master suite.
Chop-chop.
[soft laughter]
This is the most spacious
suite in the resort.
It is fitting that
you stay here.
I'll be back after I
deliver the guests' luggage.
Would you like me to take
your bag up to the bedroom?
No, it's OK, Robert.
I'll be fine.
[music]
[door creaking]
[music stops]
[music]
[music fades]
[music]
[knock on door]
[knock on door]
[music fades]
Robert, why are you up here?
We've been keeping her remains
under her safekeeping,
but it seems fitting that
they rest in your care.
[music]
Is there anything else I
might do for you, Ms. Reema?
Robert, how did my aunt die?
The authorities
from the big island
ruled it an accident,
despite the circumstances.
Circumstances?
I've been told that she
died peacefully in her sleep.
I don't think that's
quite the case, though.
When I found her
here in her bed,
she had a huge spear
right through her heart
that passed through her
spleen and other organs.
She died in this bed?
And this is the spear.
But how it fell and
perfectly pierced her
is a complete mystery.
Why is it still hanging up here?
After the authorities
cleared her death,
I put the suite
back the way it was.
Take it away. I
don't want to see it.
That should be easy enough.
Will that be all?
Yes.
[music]
-You OK?
-Mm.
[Lola] Oh, my gosh!
Where did that paint come from?
It's not paint.
[gasps]
Tell me it's not yours.
It was on the doorknob.
OK. I just learned that
my aunt died in her sleep
by a huge spear that
fell from the wall
but it pierced her, like,
through her heart and her lungs.
[Shiv] I swear.
I swear. Come on.
-There's no way.
-No, no, no, don't. I...
What's up?
Why the long faces?
Um, nothing.
I just got, uh, freaked
out by a big lizard.
Anyways, let's get to
what we came here to do--
throw out my aunt's old
things, clean up the resort--
I don't know--
get everything back
to--to normal.
Did you guys pick a room?
-Yeah.
-Yeah, yeah.
Although I wouldn't mind
checking out those
beach-side suites.
They look so nice.
I've never stayed this
close to the beach before.
[Kalyan] Yeah, and it's not like
anyone's staying here anyways.
It's weird, to be honest.
This place seems really cool.
I thought it'd be full.
-Oh, that guy.
-Robert.
Robert said the rooms
needed cleaning out.
So we'll clean them.
It'll be cathartic.
We came here to do some, uh,
spring cleaning of sorts.
Some mental spring
cleaning wouldn't hurt.
[Kalyan] Yeah, I guess. Why not?
Why don't we go check out
the other options?
[Lola] Mm-hmm.
That's a good idea.
OK. So why don't you
guys choose your rooms
and we'll meet back here
in an hour and have lunch?
Chop-chop.
[Lola laughs]
Chop-chop.
[woman] Mala.
[music]
[indistinct voices]
[doors creaking]
[music]
[doors creak]
[woman] Mala.
[Reema's aunt] Reema,
when you find this,
the curse must stop here.
I did something very wrong.
Your Aunt Shalini
and I did it together.
You need to undo all the wrongs
and set everything straight.
[music]
[singer] Turn my back,
give me some slack
I need to go back
to my sloppy ways
Yeah, uh
Uh-huh...
Kalyan?
Kalyan?
What's wrong, Reema?
I don't know. There's
some strange--
Things?
A hotel with no guests
who can stay here
by invitation only?
These rooms are perfectly fine.
There's not much to clean.
I don't know what
he was talking about,
but it's funny. Get this.
You see?
Paperweights and combs?
Lord Vishnu, Reema. Look around.
[music]
Look closer.
3 mirrors, 3 incense burners,
3 combs, 3 small frames
with no pictures in them.
3 pillows.
The list goes on and on.
I'm just saying your
aunt or one of the staff
must've really
liked the number 3.
I think, um, things are
a bit more serious
than my aunt's
fascination with numbers.
I think she may have been
into some kind of black magic.
Black magic?
Do you remember she was
into some kind of Tantra?
[Lola] OK.
So I'm done with my room.
And, you know, it looked
like it was just cleaned.
Like, it's really
clean and empty,
except for this
book that I found.
At first I thought
it was a Bible.
But, look, there's some,
like, kinky stuff in here.
[Kalyan] Let me see that.
[Lola chuckles]
[Reema] Oh!
Reema, I think that villa
was your aunt's sex room.
100%.
She was into threesomes.
Ew.
Picture this.
Your aunt, Dorothy.
Did you just say "Picture this"?
I don't want to
picture that. Kalyan!
My gosh.
Uh, guys, my room just has
a bunch of empty bottles.
Clearly someone on a bit
of a bender in there.
-Let me see.
-That's it?
That's all you found?
Nothing strange?
No. Wait. Why?
What did you guys find?
There's definitely
something going on here.
But I don't think we should talk
about it in any of the rooms.
Oh. Oh. Like, this is like
that one movie we watched
with that creepy perv
who put all the cameras
in all the rooms, right?
This is like that, right?
Lola, I'm being serious.
No, this is
definitely like that.
[music]
[Robert] Sorry, the
housekeeper was late today.
Meet my wife--Dorothy.
Did you enjoy the meals
I prepared for you?
[Lola] Oh, they were so good.
Oh.
Oh, I mean I can't
wait to enjoy them.
We're still settling in, but
we plan to eat your meals,
maybe tonight.
I can start a
bonfire on the beach
and you can eat there.
The night sky is
rather beautiful.
OK. Yeah. That actually
sounds very nice.
[Kalyan] Uh, Dorothy?
Hi. I'm actually vegetarian.
Oh, yeah. So am I.
There is a vegetarian bake.
I prepared it myself,
so you should be good.
Madam, are you guests
considering staying
at the villas?
Because I think the rooms--
Thank you, Robert.
But my aunt did leave the resort
to me in her will, correct?
Sorry, Madam.
Yes. This property is yours
to do with as you please.
Excuse my ignorance.
It won't happen again.
[Reema] You know what?
Actually, I think you've
done enough for us today.
You can take the evening off.
And you, too, Dorothy.
I'm sure Kalyan and Shiv
should be able to figure
out how to make a fire.
Very well, Madam.
Have a good night.
Good night.
So are we staying
in these rooms, then?
I don't see why not.
You know, Robert was right.
I actually really
like villa sun.
And you know what?
God knows what happens in
your aunt's sex dungeon.
-OK. OK.
-OK.
You know what?
Why don't we grab
that food and, like,
actually have some fun?
Finally.
-Yeah.
-Heck yeah.
[Reema] You think Dorothy
really left this rug here?
Probably.
Yeah.
I'm gonna make the biggest
fire you guys have ever seen.
Let's see it.
'Cause making fire is a
natural instinct for men.
[Reema] For sure.
[Lola] Yeah. That
would be nice to have
one of those around right now.
[laughter]
[indistinct chatter]
[Lola] Oh, my God.
Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys.
You know what would
sound so good right now?
A drink.
Oh.
Courtesy of Villa Dusk.
-Oh.
-Oh.
For you. There you go.
-No use to you?
-Sorry, Reema.
I guess this will be
of no use to you.
-So...
-Wow.
-Here you go.
-Aw. It's OK, though.
Being with you guys is
the only high I need.
-Aw.
-Aw.
[chuckles]
You know what the
best thing about
drinking with a teetotaler is?
More booze for the rest of us.
[laughter]
But cheers to Reema
for bringing us out
to this crazy paradise.
Cheers to, uh, Robert
for making this veggie
bake, not half bad.
Cheers to Shiv for
his uncanny ability
to always find alcohol anywhere.
-Cheers.
-Reems?
Uh, cheers to my aunt
for leaving me this place
and just enough money
to bring the people
that I love the most
so we can enjoy this
beautiful sunset.
[Shiv] That's beautiful.
-Cheers!
-Cheers!
[laughter]
[music]
[coughing]
Oh, my God.
Jesus. How old is this wine?
It's an--it's an acquired taste.
Suck it up.
[Lola] Ew.
[chuckles] Ooh.
[Shiv] Ohh.
[Reema] Does anyone want soda?
Just kidding. More for me.
[Shiv] Oh! Cruel.
[Kalyan] Cruel.
[indistinct chatter]
[laughter]
[woman's scream echoing]
Guys?
Wake up.
-What...
[woman screams]
-What the hell was that?
-Do you hear that screaming?
What was that?
-I don't know.
-Come on.
-What...
-Kalyan, what--
-what are you doing?
-We've got to help 'em.
-No, wait.
-Come on.
I'm not standing by when
someone's in trouble.
Let's go. Come on. Come on.
[Lola] Are you going?
Come on.
Wait. Guys, wait.
Wait for me.
[Reema] We haven't seen or
heard anything in minutes.
I think we can head back now.
[Lola] Yeah. I
don't hear anything.
Maybe we missed it.
Just hang on a second.
We were close.
Wait. Hey, hey. I see something.
Look.
Come on.
OK. I think can we
can head back now.
[music]
[baby crying]
Stop!
[baby crying]
[Reema] Kalyan!
Shiv!
Lola!
-Guys!
-Reema!
-Hey. Hey.
-Where were you?
-What happened?
-Reema.
-Are you OK?
-Where were you?
They were trying
to burn this baby.
-Huh?
-What?
There's a bonfire and...
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hey.
Look at me. You're--you're OK.
You're OK.
We're here now, OK?
Let's get you back, OK?
-Here, here.
-Come on.
-Give me--give me this.
-Yeah. Come on, come on.
You're OK.
[Shiv] What baby? It's
just some ugly doll.
Are you sure it was
soda you gave her?
I don't know.
Here's something that
will help you sleep.
We'll be downstairs.
Please get some good rest, OK?
Everything will be
better in the morning.
Promise.
[music]
[birds calling]
[children laughing]
[child chuckling]
[echoing screams]
What happened?
Maybe you were imagining
things after all.
Maybe we were.
[door opens]
[music]
Is everything OK?
I thought you were
dismissed for the evening.
I heard a scream.
I came to check.
I saw the lights
were flickering.
I came to check if the
generator needed turning on.
Actually, Robert,
everything is not all right.
I need you to
explain a few things.
I'm here to answer
all your questions.
Please sit.
I'll stand right here.
The staff is not allowed
to sit at the same level.
It is a resort rule.
Fine.
I know that you're trying
to scare us away from here.
But do you really think
we're just going to leave,
so that you and Dorothy
can make this place your own?
Why would you think that?
I saw you.
I saw you by the bonfire.
I heard your chants,
and I saw what you were doing--
Reema found blood on her door.
May I answer these
questions in order?
Go ahead.
We're not afraid.
We often have bonfires on the
island to burn the deadwood
and cleanse the brushwood.
It is common on the island.
As for the blood,
I was cutting beetroot
for the salad,
and I'm must've
touched the doorknob
before I had a chance
to clean my hands.
Are there any babies
on the island?
There are a couple.
Any that have been
recently burned to death?
[laughing]
If this is something
you've seen or heard,
then I should probably
call the authorities
on the big island.
This sounds very serious.
[Shiv] Excuse Kalyan here.
He reads too much Stephen King
and has crazy dreams and ideas.
So please forgive him.
That's all for now, Robert.
Thank you for
clearing things up.
I think that we're all just
very tired from our journey.
So...
is this it?
I may leave?
Before I leave,
we're having a ceremony
tomorrow for the islanders.
What kind of ceremony?
It's a cleansing of
the demon spirits.
Oh. Like the good over the evil?
[Robert] Yes,
something like that.
Our island headman,
who's also our medicine
man, is highly revered.
He'll be leading
the proceedings.
That might not be
sophisticated enough
for you city folk, but...
it may be a good way
to ingratiate yourself
with the locals.
Be nice...
if you are able to attend.
What time is the ceremony?
7 PM.
The ceremony ends when
our medicine man decides.
We'll be there.
[music]
We will get to the
bottom of this.
[Lola] I mean, you heard him.
It's probably just
beetroot juice.
Smell it.
Gross! Don't do that.
Guys, can we just stay
in Reema's suite tonight?
I'm just feeling a
bit--I don't know.
I mean, if it's
cool with you all.
Sure.
OK.
[all sigh]
[grunting]
OK. Guys, we have
to turn in unison.
When I say turn, everyone turns.
Kalyan, your pointy
elbow is on my arm!
Guys, we have to lie
aerodynamically,
arms by your side.
Yes, drill sergeant.
Setting an alarm,
drill sergeant.
Closing my eyes
and going to sleep,
drill sergeant.
-OK, guys. Good night.
-Good night.
-Good night.
Whose idea was this
in the first place?
[Lola and Reema] Shiv's.
Guys, just deal with it.
[music]
[Lola] Oh, snap.
Look at us. We're like twinsies.
Look at how in sync we are.
You know what, let's be
telepathically connected.
Did you guys decide
this while I was asleep?
Decide what?
Guys, lovin' it. Color...
[Lola and Shiv] Coordination.
Let's go.
Wait. Did we?
I don't know how this happened,
but we look like an army,
and I like it.
You know what?
I'm actually looking
forward to the ceremony,
meet the locals,
see some culture.
It should be fun.
That's makes two of us.
Do I need a touch-up
on my lip gloss?
You forgot bug spray.
We'll just sit
really close to you.
You're like one
big bug repellant.
[Kalyan] Ha ha. Very funny.
Let me introduce you, miss.
Everyone, this is Miss Reema.
She's the proud new
owner of Resort Sanskara.
[applause]
There will be dinner later.
We will roast a pig
and other delicacies.
Please sit, Miss Reema.
Is this what you saw last night?
This is not what I saw.
The mind can play
funny tricks on us.
Wow, Reema.
You stole a little kid's doll.
You know, this is just
a group of harmless islanders,
who were having a
little bit of fun.
[plays fanfare]
[music]
Should we bow down, too?
Maybe it's rude if we do?
Maybe it's super
rude if we don't?
I think I'm seeing things again.
No. No, I'm seeing him, too.
[indistinct chanting]
Mala
Mala
Mala
Mala
[music]
[muffled scream echoing]
[indistinct chanting]
[music]
[music stops]
[birds chirping]
Do you guys remember
how we got back?
No. we just woke
up in our rooms.
We don't remember anything.
Are you guys moving
back to your rooms?
No, we're--we're leaving.
And we don't need Robert
to take us back
to the big island.
We--we can--we'll
walk to the dock
and then we'll find someone else
to take us back to the island.
You guys are leaving the island?
Seriously?
Yes.
Come with us.
Leave all this behind.
We need to, Reema.
What little we
remember of yesterday
makes us concerned for
what we don't remember.
She didn't even remember
that the guy's eyes
were, like, dilated.
He doesn't remember the whole--
We obviously need to leave.
[Lola sighs]
Speaking of, where's Shiv?
I thought you went
to wake him up.
No, I thought you would've.
[music]
[Kalyan] "Sorry. I
can't take it anymore.
I'm leaving."
A boarding pass.
This departure time
is for tonight.
Tonight?
If he left, why would
his ticket still be here?
He must've figured some
other way off the island.
I'll try calling him.
Uh! No signal on this island.
Guys, relax. He
must've jumped ship.
It's not the first time
that Shiv's done that.
We know what a sissy he is.
Reema,
look, I--I really don't think
we should be here anymore.
What do you mean?
Guys, you can't
just abandon me now.
Please just stay
a few more days.
I just need your help to
sort a couple things out.
And I promise you,
I'll be on the next boat
out with you guys.
But first, I have to
show you something.
[music]
I mean, he's done this before.
You know he didn't even
show up to our conference game?
I don't know how to share
this without seeming crazy,
but I found this in
that almirah upstairs.
It's in my mother's handwriting.
There's nothing here.
There was writing on this.
I swear, I read it yesterday.
Uh, it said something
about a--a curse
that was passed
down from my aunt,
that she did something wrong,
that I need to fix it.
Reema, you're worrying us, OK?
You've been a little
off since we got here,
and from what little I
remember from yesterday,
you were, like, possessed, girl.
Nothing's changed.
I'm still the same Reema.
I promise I wasn't possessed.
Reema, you're definitely
going through something.
We can see it with our own eyes.
Look, I need you to help me.
I'm convinced that my fate is
intertwined with this place.
Reema, we want to help you,
but--but how do you
propose we do that?
There are scrolls.
Kalyan, you'd be great
at deciphering them.
Maybe if we can go
through them, find a theme
or a pattern or something.
OK.
Where are the scrolls?
Oh, my God. Some of
these scrolls are so old,
they're falling apart.
Well, touch them gently.
OK. I--I'm gonna need
a table and a lamp,
but first, lock the doors.
Close the curtains.
We don't want anyone to
know what we're doing.
Guys, what about Shiv?
[Kalyan] I'm sure
he'll be back soon.
We wouldn't even know where
to start to look for him.
[Reema] Maybe these scrolls
will have some clues.
Let's get to work.
[music]
[Lola] Do you think there's
delivery on this island?
Oh, maybe the chef is on call.
[Reema] Shh. Lola, let him work.
-I'm so hungry.
-Guys, uh,
I think I'm on to something.
[music]
OK. So, this is all in
an ancient Indian language,
one that predates Sanskrit.
And from what I can make out,
there are 13 rituals.
And based off what we
remember from yesterday,
this is day 11.
Every ritual ends
with an offering,
and the 13th and final
offering would be...
An offering, like a sacrifice?
It seems like they're owings
to be collected for a sacrilege,
but it might just be colored
by what you said, Reema.
Well, something like
that was on the note.
[Lola] OK. What
kind of sacrifice
are we talking about here?
Reema, I really didn't
bargain for this.
With love and respect
I have for you,
honestly, I just came
here for a fun time.
But we have to help Reema.
We were there for you
when you lost your mother,
and we're here for you now.
We're your friends.
Friends with benefits?
[chuckles]
OK.
There is a motif of
a child, an infant.
[Lola] A demonic child?
A child with great power.
But here's the weird thing,
this child isn't there
on the last three rituals.
Maybe you did see them
sacrificing a baby.
Uh, whatever it is,
this is as much as I can read.
We're gonna have to ask
someone else's help.
Like who?
Robert?
No way. I don't trust him.
Maybe the medicine man.
But his eyes, Reema,
they were black,
as if they were
from another world.
OK, wait. Let me
make a suggestion.
Why don't we gain the confidence
and the trust of the locals
since they seem
to have chosen me?
Well, what do you have in mind?
I don't know.
But I'm exhausted,
and I think I need
to sleep on it.
I'm gonna keep working.
Get some rest.
I would kill for some
biryani right now.
Oh, my biryani.
Your biryani is the worst
thing I have ever tasted
in my entire life.
[scoffs]
Reema, you've had it.
It's just rice
and chicken, Lola.
But that's what it is.
You're supposed to
put masala in it.
What's masala?
[laughter]
[knock knock]
Shiv?
Oh, do you think that's Shiv?
Do you think he's here?
Let me see.
No, it's Robert.
Oh, no. The scrolls.
[Reema] Go see what he wants.
[whispering indistinctly]
Good morning, Miss Reema.
Good morning.
Have your friends moved
into the master suite?
Yes.
Is that a problem?
Not at all.
Please let me know
if you need anything--
bedding, towels.
Actually,
is there a ceremony
happening tonight?
Yes, of course. 7 PM.
Please tell the island
that it will take place
at midnight.
[Robert] Yes, Miss.
But that is quite late.
Midnight.
What can I make for lunch?
Surprise me.
May I go and inform
everybody about tonight?
You may.
Dorothy...
...I'd like to meet with
the island medicine man.
Where can I find him?
Hameed.
Follow the winding
path along the water
and then look for the red door.
[music]
Let's get ready to
meet this Hameed.
[thunder]
[music]
[Lola sighs]
We're gonna see
the medicine man.
We're gonna find Shiv.
It's like an island
scavenger hunt.
And real island weather.
How much further, Reems?
This way.
I'm here for Hameed. I'm--
I know.
[door creaks]
Come.
Let me tell you what
you are seeking.
I need to know who I am.
The mystery began
with your mother.
She did something where she
had to pay with her life
and was never able to escape it.
But what did she do?
There were 3 sisters.
The youngest,
the one you consider
your mother...
...and your aunt,
then the eldest,
your real mother,
the one who gave you life.
Story has it, there was some old
Tantric writings in the house,
and that's where it all began.
Tantra has two sides.
It can be used for good...
...or for evil.
They, however, chose to go
to the dark side of the magic
in such a magnificent way
that the whole island was
engulfed in its rituals.
It is said that once they were
fully ensconced in the magic...
...that there was
a full solar eclipse
plunging the island
into complete darkness.
Your birth mother
was declared insane
and sent to Saint Lucia
Mental Hospital.
[thunder]
That's where you were born.
Your father, however,
was a stranger.
This was done
to heighten the carnal senses
that is part of Tantric play.
Who am I?
Who am I really?
Who are you?
Who are you?
Born from the ashes of fire,
you are Mala!
You are Mala!
[music]
What did he say?
Nothing.
-Nothing?
-Nothing?
[Kalyan] We heard shouting.
He was just telling
me how sorry he was
for my aunt's passing
and did some loud chants
for my safety or...something.
Did he mention Shiv?
No.
No?
Reema, is any of this helping?
OK. You know what?
We can't think on
an empty stomach.
I'm hungry.
Guys, forget what I said
about being hungry.
Lola, just eat it.
It's to establish
trust, remember?
It's just rare steak.
People eat rare
steak all the time.
[Lola] Guys...
Robert, Dorothy...
...we're going to
rest after lunch.
You can do the same.
[music]
And we'll meet you at
midnight for the ceremony.
Lola.
I'm not eating this.
[woman] Mala.
Mala.
Mala.
Mala.
[kid laughing]
[heartbeat]
[woman] Mala.
[baby crying]
Reema! Reema! Reema!
Reema.
Kalyan?
What happened?
Why did you lock the door?
I don't know.
It must have locked itself.
What time is it?
10:00.
It's almost time to leave.
Right, yeah, I'll--
I'll be downstairs.
I wasn't trying to hurt myself
if that's what you thought.
Yeah, I--I know.
You know we're here
for you, right?
OK. Let's get ready.
[music]
[Lola] Reema, what can
we expect for tonight?
Could you give us some idea
of what you're gonna do?
Do you have a plan
or are we just doing
things on the fly?
[music]
[finger cymbals ringing]
Tonight, we are going to
make this bonfire rise
and sanctify the
people of this island.
[finger cymbals ringing]
Put your unholy
thoughts into this,
throw it into the flame.
Never bring it
again to our shores.
[music]
Actually, this looks like fun.
It's like an island cleansing.
[Lola chuckles softly]
Reema, do we get a cloth?
No.
My friends who are
not of this island
are to perform...
...a different sacrifice.
You two are to perform
some tantric acts.
That will be your sacrifice.
Undress.
Now.
[music]
All of it.
Everything.
Stop.
We will save the carnal sin
for the next sanctifying.
They have sacrificed
their dignity tonight.
[music]
[thunder]
[Kalyan] Hey.
Hey.
I know what you're going to say.
What was that?
How could you do that to us?
But now they trust not
just me, but you, too.
You humiliated Lola and me.
Doesn't that bother you?
I don't know how much more
of this we can take, Reema.
I understand how difficult
this is for both of you.
But there is one
thing I do know.
I can't do this
without either of you.
[rattle echoing]
[woman] Mala.
Mala.
[music]
[woman] Mala.
[music]
[fire hisses loudly]
[indistinct voices]
[bell ringing]
[wailing]
[fire crackling]
[music]
[Reema's aunt] When we reached
the hospital to confront her,
we knew she had
started the fire.
200 bodies perished in
the flames that night.
You were born on the 13th
day of the lunar year.
To your mother, you
were impure and trouble.
You were Mala.
To me, you were my goddess.
The day will come, however,
when you will have to make
the ultimate sacrifice
and atone for our sins.
I know you will carry us from
the darkness towards light.
[music]
Where were you?
I couldn't sleep.
I went to go clear my thoughts.
Really?
Well, actually--OK.
I was sitting on the beach
and finally spread
my aunt's ashes.
Have you discovered anything?
-Robert.
-Yes, ma'am.
I will be holding the
13th ceremony tonight
at 11 PM
before the moon
reaches its zenith.
There should be only 13 men
from prominent families present,
including yourself.
As you wish.
We have something to confess.
I spoke to a local
fisherman down at the dock.
He's arranged a boat for us
to take us back
to the big island.
We're leaving tomorrow,
first thing.
-I know we promised--
-I understand.
I myself will be
leaving in a few days.
You promise?
Scout's honor.
You guys go ahead.
I just have a few
more things to arrange,
and then I'll be
putting the resort
on the market for sale.
[Lola] Oh, my goodness.
That's the best news ever.
You're gonna get
a fortune for this land.
You should get a small, little
cottage in France for yourself.
[laughs]
[Kalyan] Thank you, Reema.
This is what's
right for everyone.
I hope you'll
understand because...
...we're still gonna
leave tomorrow morning.
I agree to that.
Thank you for being
such good friends.
See? I told you she
wouldn't get upset.
[music]
[no audible dialogue]
[music continues]
[Reema] Do you know of any boats
leaving the island tomorrow?
No boat is leaving Sanskara
until you allow it.
[music]
I thought I told you
to put that spear away.
Why is it still up there?
I did put it away.
It was in the storage shed.
I don't know how
it got back here.
Are you trying to be clever?
Believe me.
I want this curse over
as much as you do.
When your friend asked about
babies on the island, I lied.
Since your birth,
no woman of this island has
been able to bear a child.
Who am I?
You are Mala...
...our savior.
[music]
[waves breaking]
[music]
[music stops]
Tonight is the final
day of the ritual.
Each and every one of you
represents each day
of our commitment.
As has been foretold,
the savior did indeed
arrive for the final 3 acts.
It is she
who dictates our commitment.
It is she who will rid
us of this shallow curse.
It is she that will
give life to our shores
and to our wombs...
...for she is our savior.
And to her we shall submit.
By sunrise, you are
each to sacrifice
what you love the most...
[man vocalizing]
whether it breeds or does not.
[man] Mala.
What will you sacrifice?
[man] Mala.
I have nothing precious
left in my life,
just myself.
[man] Mala.
[music]
[man chanting]
[choking]
[thud]
[music]
What do you hold most
dear in your life?
My house.
Then it must perish by fire.
And you?
My son.
He was born a year before you.
Then he, too,
must be sacrificed.
Reema, stop it!
That's enough!
[crying]
You two do not belong
to this island.
So there's nothing
precious you have here.
You are all dismissed.
My wife Dorothy.
Am I to sacrifice her, too?
She's the one most precious
to me on this island.
You lie.
Your sacrifice
will have to wait.
After cleaning all this up...
...come to my room.
[Hameed] The sacrifice
isn't over till--
You do not speak to me
as if I'm a stranger
to the ways.
My fate was determined
the moment I was born.
I know it must be done.
[Lola sobbing softly]
[Kalyan] No more.
No more.
You did what needed to be
done, and now it's done.
And now you're
coming home with us.
Just say yes, Reema.
Say yes!
Just fucking say it!
Who's Reema?
[Lola] You are.
Reema, you're my Reems. OK?
Enough of this.
Reema.
You shall address me as Mala.
[Kalyan] What has this
island done to you?
[laughs]
I'm my best self on this island.
We need to leave.
No one...
[Kalyan groaning]
...leaves Samskara.
[music]
[Lola panting]
[Mala's laughter echoing]
[snaps fingers]
[chuckles softly]
[Kalyan groaning]
Saving the best for last.
[Kalyan groaning]
Get some good rest.
[laughs]
Bye-bye.
At least it was quick.
Better than being burned alive.
They were spared the
fate of my mother.
Shall I clean up the mess?
Yes.
And call Dorothy.
I think I'd like
a coconut milkshake.
Coconut milkshake?
That was your aunt's favorite.
May I shave coconut
pieces into it?
[chuckles]
That sounds lovely.
Robert.
After sunrise,
you are to perform
your sacrifice.
Understood?
Very well.
Is that all for now?
That is all for now.
[music]
[flies buzzing]
[knock on door]
Enter.
Just as you asked.
Bobby Beachside, the real estate
broker from big island, is here.
Thank you, Robert.
[music]
Hey. Bobby Beachside.
Miss, uh...
Mala.
Miss Mala. Of course.
I have a very, very
interested buyer,
someone who's been dying
to see the property
and, uh, someone where we won't
need to disclose all that, uh--
Disclose what, exactly?
Well, the trouble on the island.
I'm not selling the island.
I'm selling the resort.
And rest assured, there
won't be any more...
...trouble on this island.
Of course.
But I want to sell it fast.
How fast?
The price is 13 million,
and your commission drops
half a percentage every hour.
Stay right here.
[music]
[Bobby] 13 million.
Young lady, you
have no idea how long
I've wanted this property.
You have yourself a deal.
Consider this a down payment.
One thing.
You are to rename
the resort after me.
You are to rename it Mala.
That's a beautiful name.
Tell me where to wire the money,
and we have ourselves a deal.
Robert will manage the details.
Very well.
Looks like you got
your full commission.
[music]
[speaking native language]
We can feel assured that
our bloodline will continue.
Robert, where's
my Bhagavad Gita?
Oh, I don't touch
personal possessions.
But I cleaned your room, and
I even polished the spear.
I noticed.
I spent the entire night
sorting out this island--
houses, beloved possessions
all burned to the ground...
families sacrificed
by immolation.
But it's all cleaned up now
as if it had never happened.
[Dorothy chuckles]
[whispers indistinctly]
Huh.
You're back.
You...
you're--
you're free now...
...to live the life you care to.
After all, you were a child.
It wasn't your fault.
It was your mother's mistakes.
She cursed us all.
[music]
Are you sure you don't need
me to escort you to the dock?
I'll be fine.
Remember, you have one
last sacrifice to perform.
This is for you and Dorothy--
to help you with
starting a family.
Thank you for everything.
Good-bye, Robert.
Good-bye, Mala.
[music]
[all] Bye, Mala.
[music]
[music]
[woman] Mala.
[singer] Beautiful
sandy beaches
Happiness within our reach
Reema, Reema, you're so fine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Fun in the sun,
friends forever
Reema, Reema, you're so fine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
A sudden twist
A sudden turn
Thunder and lightning
I see my urn
Uh, stop
Don't leave me this way
Mala, Mala, go away
What did I do to
deserve this fate?
I won't be seeing
you at heaven's gate
I came to have
fun in the sun
And now all I can
think is run
Mala, Mala, go away
Mala, Mala,
go away
Mala, Mala, go away
Beautiful sandy beaches,
happiness within our reach
Reema, Reema, you're so fine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Mala
Reema/Mala
Sometimes I think
you're divine
A sudden twist
A sudden turn
Thunder and lightning
I see my urn
Uh, stop
Don't leave me this way
Mala, Mala, go away
What did I do to
deserve this fate?
I won't be seeing
you at heaven's gate
I came to have
fun in the sun
And now all I
can think is run
Mala, Mala, go away
Mala, Mala,
go away
Mala, Mala...
[wind blowing]
[music]
[electricity crackles]
[music]
[narrator] The ancient art
of Tantra has been dreaded
and misunderstood for
its ritualistic practices,
mantra chanting,
and carnal sins.
But if practiced right,
it can raise one's consciousness
to an ultimate
sense of liberation.
Sadly, most tantric
practitioners
do not reach their
full consciousness
and get stuck in dark rituals
from which they're
not able to withdraw.
[thunder]
[man chanting]
[woman] Mala.
[door creaking]
[echoing]
Mala...
[water bubbling]
[indistinct voices]
[music]
[seagulls squawking]
[captain] OK, guys and girls,
we're about to dock.
Welcome to the island
of relaxation
and self-reflection.
Welcome to Samskara.
[music]
Thank you.
Your resort will
have a pool, right?
There's gotta be a pool.
Wow, Reema, whose aunt
leaves an abandoned resort
on an island in the
middle of nowhere?
Yeah. I wish my
aunt would leave me
something cool like that.
My aunt just left me
a pen set with no ink.
Do you know how hard
it is to find ink?
[Shiv] I'm still confused.
Lola's your cousin,
but this aunt isn't
related in any way to her?
How many times do I have to
tell you this, you coconut?
Real Indian people
say they're cousins
when they're not
actually cousins.
And we call men who we aren't
related to our uncle and--
And women who aren't our
actual aunties auntie.
Exactly.
[perfume atomizer misting]
[coughs]
Do you see that guy?
What guy?
Oh, maybe it's
the imaginary Robert
that was meant to pick
us up an hour ago?
Island time, I guess.
[cart horn honking]
I--I think that's him.
[music]
So are we going to him
or is he coming to us?
-Is that actually him?
-Chill out, Lola.
If he tries anything, just
bug spray him to death.
[Robert] I'm Robert,
the property manager.
You must be Reema.
No, that's me.
Hello. Nice to meet you, madam.
Madam and her guests
will be staying
at the property for a while?
Just a week,
enough time to clean
up the estate and...
And you, madam, will also be
staying with us for just a week.
Excuse me.
I don't mean to indulge
myself in your affairs.
The property belongs to you now,
and you can come and go
as you please.
If I may.
No, that's OK, Robert.
Reema, please. Let the nice
guy carry my 20-pound backpack.
[chuckles]
Madam, I insist.
After you, madam.
Guys, thank you so
much for coming with me.
I don't think I could
have done it by myself.
A free trip to a crazy
island paradise for a week?
Not a hard sell.
But for real,
Reema, we're stoked.
He means grateful.
Thanks for having us.
It means a lot.
Guys, there's gotta
be Wi-Fi, right?
[scoffs]
[music]
Robert, before you picked us up,
I thought I saw
someone watching us.
On this island, all
the folk are curious...
...about the people
who come from outside.
Nothing to be concerned about.
I didn't realize it
would take this long.
This island must be pretty big.
[Robert] I took
a slight diversion,
just so we could get
a sense of Samskara.
I was wondering, Does
that mean anything?
It has many different meanings.
But the one I choose to like
the best is a rite of passage.
Welcome to Samskara.
[shuts off engine]
Is this it?
We did our best to be
a very discreet resort
so that our guests
can truly relax.
Let me show you.
[Lola] Does anybody
else have signal?
[Robert] This island is,
how you say, disconnected.
No phones, no internet.
It helps keep us grounded.
Yeah, Lola, a break
from your phone
might be a good thing.
You do have TV, though, right?
TV? [laughs]
You know, you may want
to update your location.
I couldn't find you online
or on any travel websites.
Our guests are by
invitation only.
So no Wi-Fi, no TV.
You must have a pool, right?
[Robert] Why have a pool
when you're surrounded
by the ocean?
[music]
[Shiv] Not bad, Reema.
You inherited a
beachfront property.
So, Robert, where
did my aunt stay?
In the master suite.
Dorothy, my wife,
is our resident chef.
She has prepared a few
dishes for your lunch.
We have our own personal chef?
Do we really have our own chef?
[Robert] Yes.
She can prepare all
your dishes for you
if you so choose.
Madam, did you happen to
decide what you're gonna do
with the staff attached
to the property?
[chuckles]
Um, I guess
I'd like to continue
on with the old setup.
As you wish, madam.
[music]
I'm going to the beach.
Wait, Kalyan.
Let's at least settle in first,
decide where we'll sleep,
and maybe see what
rooms need to be cleaned.
And then we can have fun.
Cool.
Whatever bidding madam requires.
And I'd like to take my
high tea in the master suite.
Chop-chop.
[soft laughter]
This is the most spacious
suite in the resort.
It is fitting that
you stay here.
I'll be back after I
deliver the guests' luggage.
Would you like me to take
your bag up to the bedroom?
No, it's OK, Robert.
I'll be fine.
[music]
[door creaking]
[music stops]
[music]
[music fades]
[music]
[knock on door]
[knock on door]
[music fades]
Robert, why are you up here?
We've been keeping her remains
under her safekeeping,
but it seems fitting that
they rest in your care.
[music]
Is there anything else I
might do for you, Ms. Reema?
Robert, how did my aunt die?
The authorities
from the big island
ruled it an accident,
despite the circumstances.
Circumstances?
I've been told that she
died peacefully in her sleep.
I don't think that's
quite the case, though.
When I found her
here in her bed,
she had a huge spear
right through her heart
that passed through her
spleen and other organs.
She died in this bed?
And this is the spear.
But how it fell and
perfectly pierced her
is a complete mystery.
Why is it still hanging up here?
After the authorities
cleared her death,
I put the suite
back the way it was.
Take it away. I
don't want to see it.
That should be easy enough.
Will that be all?
Yes.
[music]
-You OK?
-Mm.
[Lola] Oh, my gosh!
Where did that paint come from?
It's not paint.
[gasps]
Tell me it's not yours.
It was on the doorknob.
OK. I just learned that
my aunt died in her sleep
by a huge spear that
fell from the wall
but it pierced her, like,
through her heart and her lungs.
[Shiv] I swear.
I swear. Come on.
-There's no way.
-No, no, no, don't. I...
What's up?
Why the long faces?
Um, nothing.
I just got, uh, freaked
out by a big lizard.
Anyways, let's get to
what we came here to do--
throw out my aunt's old
things, clean up the resort--
I don't know--
get everything back
to--to normal.
Did you guys pick a room?
-Yeah.
-Yeah, yeah.
Although I wouldn't mind
checking out those
beach-side suites.
They look so nice.
I've never stayed this
close to the beach before.
[Kalyan] Yeah, and it's not like
anyone's staying here anyways.
It's weird, to be honest.
This place seems really cool.
I thought it'd be full.
-Oh, that guy.
-Robert.
Robert said the rooms
needed cleaning out.
So we'll clean them.
It'll be cathartic.
We came here to do some, uh,
spring cleaning of sorts.
Some mental spring
cleaning wouldn't hurt.
[Kalyan] Yeah, I guess. Why not?
Why don't we go check out
the other options?
[Lola] Mm-hmm.
That's a good idea.
OK. So why don't you
guys choose your rooms
and we'll meet back here
in an hour and have lunch?
Chop-chop.
[Lola laughs]
Chop-chop.
[woman] Mala.
[music]
[indistinct voices]
[doors creaking]
[music]
[doors creak]
[woman] Mala.
[Reema's aunt] Reema,
when you find this,
the curse must stop here.
I did something very wrong.
Your Aunt Shalini
and I did it together.
You need to undo all the wrongs
and set everything straight.
[music]
[singer] Turn my back,
give me some slack
I need to go back
to my sloppy ways
Yeah, uh
Uh-huh...
Kalyan?
Kalyan?
What's wrong, Reema?
I don't know. There's
some strange--
Things?
A hotel with no guests
who can stay here
by invitation only?
These rooms are perfectly fine.
There's not much to clean.
I don't know what
he was talking about,
but it's funny. Get this.
You see?
Paperweights and combs?
Lord Vishnu, Reema. Look around.
[music]
Look closer.
3 mirrors, 3 incense burners,
3 combs, 3 small frames
with no pictures in them.
3 pillows.
The list goes on and on.
I'm just saying your
aunt or one of the staff
must've really
liked the number 3.
I think, um, things are
a bit more serious
than my aunt's
fascination with numbers.
I think she may have been
into some kind of black magic.
Black magic?
Do you remember she was
into some kind of Tantra?
[Lola] OK.
So I'm done with my room.
And, you know, it looked
like it was just cleaned.
Like, it's really
clean and empty,
except for this
book that I found.
At first I thought
it was a Bible.
But, look, there's some,
like, kinky stuff in here.
[Kalyan] Let me see that.
[Lola chuckles]
[Reema] Oh!
Reema, I think that villa
was your aunt's sex room.
100%.
She was into threesomes.
Ew.
Picture this.
Your aunt, Dorothy.
Did you just say "Picture this"?
I don't want to
picture that. Kalyan!
My gosh.
Uh, guys, my room just has
a bunch of empty bottles.
Clearly someone on a bit
of a bender in there.
-Let me see.
-That's it?
That's all you found?
Nothing strange?
No. Wait. Why?
What did you guys find?
There's definitely
something going on here.
But I don't think we should talk
about it in any of the rooms.
Oh. Oh. Like, this is like
that one movie we watched
with that creepy perv
who put all the cameras
in all the rooms, right?
This is like that, right?
Lola, I'm being serious.
No, this is
definitely like that.
[music]
[Robert] Sorry, the
housekeeper was late today.
Meet my wife--Dorothy.
Did you enjoy the meals
I prepared for you?
[Lola] Oh, they were so good.
Oh.
Oh, I mean I can't
wait to enjoy them.
We're still settling in, but
we plan to eat your meals,
maybe tonight.
I can start a
bonfire on the beach
and you can eat there.
The night sky is
rather beautiful.
OK. Yeah. That actually
sounds very nice.
[Kalyan] Uh, Dorothy?
Hi. I'm actually vegetarian.
Oh, yeah. So am I.
There is a vegetarian bake.
I prepared it myself,
so you should be good.
Madam, are you guests
considering staying
at the villas?
Because I think the rooms--
Thank you, Robert.
But my aunt did leave the resort
to me in her will, correct?
Sorry, Madam.
Yes. This property is yours
to do with as you please.
Excuse my ignorance.
It won't happen again.
[Reema] You know what?
Actually, I think you've
done enough for us today.
You can take the evening off.
And you, too, Dorothy.
I'm sure Kalyan and Shiv
should be able to figure
out how to make a fire.
Very well, Madam.
Have a good night.
Good night.
So are we staying
in these rooms, then?
I don't see why not.
You know, Robert was right.
I actually really
like villa sun.
And you know what?
God knows what happens in
your aunt's sex dungeon.
-OK. OK.
-OK.
You know what?
Why don't we grab
that food and, like,
actually have some fun?
Finally.
-Yeah.
-Heck yeah.
[Reema] You think Dorothy
really left this rug here?
Probably.
Yeah.
I'm gonna make the biggest
fire you guys have ever seen.
Let's see it.
'Cause making fire is a
natural instinct for men.
[Reema] For sure.
[Lola] Yeah. That
would be nice to have
one of those around right now.
[laughter]
[indistinct chatter]
[Lola] Oh, my God.
Guys, guys, guys, guys, guys.
You know what would
sound so good right now?
A drink.
Oh.
Courtesy of Villa Dusk.
-Oh.
-Oh.
For you. There you go.
-No use to you?
-Sorry, Reema.
I guess this will be
of no use to you.
-So...
-Wow.
-Here you go.
-Aw. It's OK, though.
Being with you guys is
the only high I need.
-Aw.
-Aw.
[chuckles]
You know what the
best thing about
drinking with a teetotaler is?
More booze for the rest of us.
[laughter]
But cheers to Reema
for bringing us out
to this crazy paradise.
Cheers to, uh, Robert
for making this veggie
bake, not half bad.
Cheers to Shiv for
his uncanny ability
to always find alcohol anywhere.
-Cheers.
-Reems?
Uh, cheers to my aunt
for leaving me this place
and just enough money
to bring the people
that I love the most
so we can enjoy this
beautiful sunset.
[Shiv] That's beautiful.
-Cheers!
-Cheers!
[laughter]
[music]
[coughing]
Oh, my God.
Jesus. How old is this wine?
It's an--it's an acquired taste.
Suck it up.
[Lola] Ew.
[chuckles] Ooh.
[Shiv] Ohh.
[Reema] Does anyone want soda?
Just kidding. More for me.
[Shiv] Oh! Cruel.
[Kalyan] Cruel.
[indistinct chatter]
[laughter]
[woman's scream echoing]
Guys?
Wake up.
-What...
[woman screams]
-What the hell was that?
-Do you hear that screaming?
What was that?
-I don't know.
-Come on.
-What...
-Kalyan, what--
-what are you doing?
-We've got to help 'em.
-No, wait.
-Come on.
I'm not standing by when
someone's in trouble.
Let's go. Come on. Come on.
[Lola] Are you going?
Come on.
Wait. Guys, wait.
Wait for me.
[Reema] We haven't seen or
heard anything in minutes.
I think we can head back now.
[Lola] Yeah. I
don't hear anything.
Maybe we missed it.
Just hang on a second.
We were close.
Wait. Hey, hey. I see something.
Look.
Come on.
OK. I think can we
can head back now.
[music]
[baby crying]
Stop!
[baby crying]
[Reema] Kalyan!
Shiv!
Lola!
-Guys!
-Reema!
-Hey. Hey.
-Where were you?
-What happened?
-Reema.
-Are you OK?
-Where were you?
They were trying
to burn this baby.
-Huh?
-What?
There's a bonfire and...
Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey.
Hey.
Look at me. You're--you're OK.
You're OK.
We're here now, OK?
Let's get you back, OK?
-Here, here.
-Come on.
-Give me--give me this.
-Yeah. Come on, come on.
You're OK.
[Shiv] What baby? It's
just some ugly doll.
Are you sure it was
soda you gave her?
I don't know.
Here's something that
will help you sleep.
We'll be downstairs.
Please get some good rest, OK?
Everything will be
better in the morning.
Promise.
[music]
[birds calling]
[children laughing]
[child chuckling]
[echoing screams]
What happened?
Maybe you were imagining
things after all.
Maybe we were.
[door opens]
[music]
Is everything OK?
I thought you were
dismissed for the evening.
I heard a scream.
I came to check.
I saw the lights
were flickering.
I came to check if the
generator needed turning on.
Actually, Robert,
everything is not all right.
I need you to
explain a few things.
I'm here to answer
all your questions.
Please sit.
I'll stand right here.
The staff is not allowed
to sit at the same level.
It is a resort rule.
Fine.
I know that you're trying
to scare us away from here.
But do you really think
we're just going to leave,
so that you and Dorothy
can make this place your own?
Why would you think that?
I saw you.
I saw you by the bonfire.
I heard your chants,
and I saw what you were doing--
Reema found blood on her door.
May I answer these
questions in order?
Go ahead.
We're not afraid.
We often have bonfires on the
island to burn the deadwood
and cleanse the brushwood.
It is common on the island.
As for the blood,
I was cutting beetroot
for the salad,
and I'm must've
touched the doorknob
before I had a chance
to clean my hands.
Are there any babies
on the island?
There are a couple.
Any that have been
recently burned to death?
[laughing]
If this is something
you've seen or heard,
then I should probably
call the authorities
on the big island.
This sounds very serious.
[Shiv] Excuse Kalyan here.
He reads too much Stephen King
and has crazy dreams and ideas.
So please forgive him.
That's all for now, Robert.
Thank you for
clearing things up.
I think that we're all just
very tired from our journey.
So...
is this it?
I may leave?
Before I leave,
we're having a ceremony
tomorrow for the islanders.
What kind of ceremony?
It's a cleansing of
the demon spirits.
Oh. Like the good over the evil?
[Robert] Yes,
something like that.
Our island headman,
who's also our medicine
man, is highly revered.
He'll be leading
the proceedings.
That might not be
sophisticated enough
for you city folk, but...
it may be a good way
to ingratiate yourself
with the locals.
Be nice...
if you are able to attend.
What time is the ceremony?
7 PM.
The ceremony ends when
our medicine man decides.
We'll be there.
[music]
We will get to the
bottom of this.
[Lola] I mean, you heard him.
It's probably just
beetroot juice.
Smell it.
Gross! Don't do that.
Guys, can we just stay
in Reema's suite tonight?
I'm just feeling a
bit--I don't know.
I mean, if it's
cool with you all.
Sure.
OK.
[all sigh]
[grunting]
OK. Guys, we have
to turn in unison.
When I say turn, everyone turns.
Kalyan, your pointy
elbow is on my arm!
Guys, we have to lie
aerodynamically,
arms by your side.
Yes, drill sergeant.
Setting an alarm,
drill sergeant.
Closing my eyes
and going to sleep,
drill sergeant.
-OK, guys. Good night.
-Good night.
-Good night.
Whose idea was this
in the first place?
[Lola and Reema] Shiv's.
Guys, just deal with it.
[music]
[Lola] Oh, snap.
Look at us. We're like twinsies.
Look at how in sync we are.
You know what, let's be
telepathically connected.
Did you guys decide
this while I was asleep?
Decide what?
Guys, lovin' it. Color...
[Lola and Shiv] Coordination.
Let's go.
Wait. Did we?
I don't know how this happened,
but we look like an army,
and I like it.
You know what?
I'm actually looking
forward to the ceremony,
meet the locals,
see some culture.
It should be fun.
That's makes two of us.
Do I need a touch-up
on my lip gloss?
You forgot bug spray.
We'll just sit
really close to you.
You're like one
big bug repellant.
[Kalyan] Ha ha. Very funny.
Let me introduce you, miss.
Everyone, this is Miss Reema.
She's the proud new
owner of Resort Sanskara.
[applause]
There will be dinner later.
We will roast a pig
and other delicacies.
Please sit, Miss Reema.
Is this what you saw last night?
This is not what I saw.
The mind can play
funny tricks on us.
Wow, Reema.
You stole a little kid's doll.
You know, this is just
a group of harmless islanders,
who were having a
little bit of fun.
[plays fanfare]
[music]
Should we bow down, too?
Maybe it's rude if we do?
Maybe it's super
rude if we don't?
I think I'm seeing things again.
No. No, I'm seeing him, too.
[indistinct chanting]
Mala
Mala
Mala
Mala
[music]
[muffled scream echoing]
[indistinct chanting]
[music]
[music stops]
[birds chirping]
Do you guys remember
how we got back?
No. we just woke
up in our rooms.
We don't remember anything.
Are you guys moving
back to your rooms?
No, we're--we're leaving.
And we don't need Robert
to take us back
to the big island.
We--we can--we'll
walk to the dock
and then we'll find someone else
to take us back to the island.
You guys are leaving the island?
Seriously?
Yes.
Come with us.
Leave all this behind.
We need to, Reema.
What little we
remember of yesterday
makes us concerned for
what we don't remember.
She didn't even remember
that the guy's eyes
were, like, dilated.
He doesn't remember the whole--
We obviously need to leave.
[Lola sighs]
Speaking of, where's Shiv?
I thought you went
to wake him up.
No, I thought you would've.
[music]
[Kalyan] "Sorry. I
can't take it anymore.
I'm leaving."
A boarding pass.
This departure time
is for tonight.
Tonight?
If he left, why would
his ticket still be here?
He must've figured some
other way off the island.
I'll try calling him.
Uh! No signal on this island.
Guys, relax. He
must've jumped ship.
It's not the first time
that Shiv's done that.
We know what a sissy he is.
Reema,
look, I--I really don't think
we should be here anymore.
What do you mean?
Guys, you can't
just abandon me now.
Please just stay
a few more days.
I just need your help to
sort a couple things out.
And I promise you,
I'll be on the next boat
out with you guys.
But first, I have to
show you something.
[music]
I mean, he's done this before.
You know he didn't even
show up to our conference game?
I don't know how to share
this without seeming crazy,
but I found this in
that almirah upstairs.
It's in my mother's handwriting.
There's nothing here.
There was writing on this.
I swear, I read it yesterday.
Uh, it said something
about a--a curse
that was passed
down from my aunt,
that she did something wrong,
that I need to fix it.
Reema, you're worrying us, OK?
You've been a little
off since we got here,
and from what little I
remember from yesterday,
you were, like, possessed, girl.
Nothing's changed.
I'm still the same Reema.
I promise I wasn't possessed.
Reema, you're definitely
going through something.
We can see it with our own eyes.
Look, I need you to help me.
I'm convinced that my fate is
intertwined with this place.
Reema, we want to help you,
but--but how do you
propose we do that?
There are scrolls.
Kalyan, you'd be great
at deciphering them.
Maybe if we can go
through them, find a theme
or a pattern or something.
OK.
Where are the scrolls?
Oh, my God. Some of
these scrolls are so old,
they're falling apart.
Well, touch them gently.
OK. I--I'm gonna need
a table and a lamp,
but first, lock the doors.
Close the curtains.
We don't want anyone to
know what we're doing.
Guys, what about Shiv?
[Kalyan] I'm sure
he'll be back soon.
We wouldn't even know where
to start to look for him.
[Reema] Maybe these scrolls
will have some clues.
Let's get to work.
[music]
[Lola] Do you think there's
delivery on this island?
Oh, maybe the chef is on call.
[Reema] Shh. Lola, let him work.
-I'm so hungry.
-Guys, uh,
I think I'm on to something.
[music]
OK. So, this is all in
an ancient Indian language,
one that predates Sanskrit.
And from what I can make out,
there are 13 rituals.
And based off what we
remember from yesterday,
this is day 11.
Every ritual ends
with an offering,
and the 13th and final
offering would be...
An offering, like a sacrifice?
It seems like they're owings
to be collected for a sacrilege,
but it might just be colored
by what you said, Reema.
Well, something like
that was on the note.
[Lola] OK. What
kind of sacrifice
are we talking about here?
Reema, I really didn't
bargain for this.
With love and respect
I have for you,
honestly, I just came
here for a fun time.
But we have to help Reema.
We were there for you
when you lost your mother,
and we're here for you now.
We're your friends.
Friends with benefits?
[chuckles]
OK.
There is a motif of
a child, an infant.
[Lola] A demonic child?
A child with great power.
But here's the weird thing,
this child isn't there
on the last three rituals.
Maybe you did see them
sacrificing a baby.
Uh, whatever it is,
this is as much as I can read.
We're gonna have to ask
someone else's help.
Like who?
Robert?
No way. I don't trust him.
Maybe the medicine man.
But his eyes, Reema,
they were black,
as if they were
from another world.
OK, wait. Let me
make a suggestion.
Why don't we gain the confidence
and the trust of the locals
since they seem
to have chosen me?
Well, what do you have in mind?
I don't know.
But I'm exhausted,
and I think I need
to sleep on it.
I'm gonna keep working.
Get some rest.
I would kill for some
biryani right now.
Oh, my biryani.
Your biryani is the worst
thing I have ever tasted
in my entire life.
[scoffs]
Reema, you've had it.
It's just rice
and chicken, Lola.
But that's what it is.
You're supposed to
put masala in it.
What's masala?
[laughter]
[knock knock]
Shiv?
Oh, do you think that's Shiv?
Do you think he's here?
Let me see.
No, it's Robert.
Oh, no. The scrolls.
[Reema] Go see what he wants.
[whispering indistinctly]
Good morning, Miss Reema.
Good morning.
Have your friends moved
into the master suite?
Yes.
Is that a problem?
Not at all.
Please let me know
if you need anything--
bedding, towels.
Actually,
is there a ceremony
happening tonight?
Yes, of course. 7 PM.
Please tell the island
that it will take place
at midnight.
[Robert] Yes, Miss.
But that is quite late.
Midnight.
What can I make for lunch?
Surprise me.
May I go and inform
everybody about tonight?
You may.
Dorothy...
...I'd like to meet with
the island medicine man.
Where can I find him?
Hameed.
Follow the winding
path along the water
and then look for the red door.
[music]
Let's get ready to
meet this Hameed.
[thunder]
[music]
[Lola sighs]
We're gonna see
the medicine man.
We're gonna find Shiv.
It's like an island
scavenger hunt.
And real island weather.
How much further, Reems?
This way.
I'm here for Hameed. I'm--
I know.
[door creaks]
Come.
Let me tell you what
you are seeking.
I need to know who I am.
The mystery began
with your mother.
She did something where she
had to pay with her life
and was never able to escape it.
But what did she do?
There were 3 sisters.
The youngest,
the one you consider
your mother...
...and your aunt,
then the eldest,
your real mother,
the one who gave you life.
Story has it, there was some old
Tantric writings in the house,
and that's where it all began.
Tantra has two sides.
It can be used for good...
...or for evil.
They, however, chose to go
to the dark side of the magic
in such a magnificent way
that the whole island was
engulfed in its rituals.
It is said that once they were
fully ensconced in the magic...
...that there was
a full solar eclipse
plunging the island
into complete darkness.
Your birth mother
was declared insane
and sent to Saint Lucia
Mental Hospital.
[thunder]
That's where you were born.
Your father, however,
was a stranger.
This was done
to heighten the carnal senses
that is part of Tantric play.
Who am I?
Who am I really?
Who are you?
Who are you?
Born from the ashes of fire,
you are Mala!
You are Mala!
[music]
What did he say?
Nothing.
-Nothing?
-Nothing?
[Kalyan] We heard shouting.
He was just telling
me how sorry he was
for my aunt's passing
and did some loud chants
for my safety or...something.
Did he mention Shiv?
No.
No?
Reema, is any of this helping?
OK. You know what?
We can't think on
an empty stomach.
I'm hungry.
Guys, forget what I said
about being hungry.
Lola, just eat it.
It's to establish
trust, remember?
It's just rare steak.
People eat rare
steak all the time.
[Lola] Guys...
Robert, Dorothy...
...we're going to
rest after lunch.
You can do the same.
[music]
And we'll meet you at
midnight for the ceremony.
Lola.
I'm not eating this.
[woman] Mala.
Mala.
Mala.
Mala.
[kid laughing]
[heartbeat]
[woman] Mala.
[baby crying]
Reema! Reema! Reema!
Reema.
Kalyan?
What happened?
Why did you lock the door?
I don't know.
It must have locked itself.
What time is it?
10:00.
It's almost time to leave.
Right, yeah, I'll--
I'll be downstairs.
I wasn't trying to hurt myself
if that's what you thought.
Yeah, I--I know.
You know we're here
for you, right?
OK. Let's get ready.
[music]
[Lola] Reema, what can
we expect for tonight?
Could you give us some idea
of what you're gonna do?
Do you have a plan
or are we just doing
things on the fly?
[music]
[finger cymbals ringing]
Tonight, we are going to
make this bonfire rise
and sanctify the
people of this island.
[finger cymbals ringing]
Put your unholy
thoughts into this,
throw it into the flame.
Never bring it
again to our shores.
[music]
Actually, this looks like fun.
It's like an island cleansing.
[Lola chuckles softly]
Reema, do we get a cloth?
No.
My friends who are
not of this island
are to perform...
...a different sacrifice.
You two are to perform
some tantric acts.
That will be your sacrifice.
Undress.
Now.
[music]
All of it.
Everything.
Stop.
We will save the carnal sin
for the next sanctifying.
They have sacrificed
their dignity tonight.
[music]
[thunder]
[Kalyan] Hey.
Hey.
I know what you're going to say.
What was that?
How could you do that to us?
But now they trust not
just me, but you, too.
You humiliated Lola and me.
Doesn't that bother you?
I don't know how much more
of this we can take, Reema.
I understand how difficult
this is for both of you.
But there is one
thing I do know.
I can't do this
without either of you.
[rattle echoing]
[woman] Mala.
Mala.
[music]
[woman] Mala.
[music]
[fire hisses loudly]
[indistinct voices]
[bell ringing]
[wailing]
[fire crackling]
[music]
[Reema's aunt] When we reached
the hospital to confront her,
we knew she had
started the fire.
200 bodies perished in
the flames that night.
You were born on the 13th
day of the lunar year.
To your mother, you
were impure and trouble.
You were Mala.
To me, you were my goddess.
The day will come, however,
when you will have to make
the ultimate sacrifice
and atone for our sins.
I know you will carry us from
the darkness towards light.
[music]
Where were you?
I couldn't sleep.
I went to go clear my thoughts.
Really?
Well, actually--OK.
I was sitting on the beach
and finally spread
my aunt's ashes.
Have you discovered anything?
-Robert.
-Yes, ma'am.
I will be holding the
13th ceremony tonight
at 11 PM
before the moon
reaches its zenith.
There should be only 13 men
from prominent families present,
including yourself.
As you wish.
We have something to confess.
I spoke to a local
fisherman down at the dock.
He's arranged a boat for us
to take us back
to the big island.
We're leaving tomorrow,
first thing.
-I know we promised--
-I understand.
I myself will be
leaving in a few days.
You promise?
Scout's honor.
You guys go ahead.
I just have a few
more things to arrange,
and then I'll be
putting the resort
on the market for sale.
[Lola] Oh, my goodness.
That's the best news ever.
You're gonna get
a fortune for this land.
You should get a small, little
cottage in France for yourself.
[laughs]
[Kalyan] Thank you, Reema.
This is what's
right for everyone.
I hope you'll
understand because...
...we're still gonna
leave tomorrow morning.
I agree to that.
Thank you for being
such good friends.
See? I told you she
wouldn't get upset.
[music]
[no audible dialogue]
[music continues]
[Reema] Do you know of any boats
leaving the island tomorrow?
No boat is leaving Sanskara
until you allow it.
[music]
I thought I told you
to put that spear away.
Why is it still up there?
I did put it away.
It was in the storage shed.
I don't know how
it got back here.
Are you trying to be clever?
Believe me.
I want this curse over
as much as you do.
When your friend asked about
babies on the island, I lied.
Since your birth,
no woman of this island has
been able to bear a child.
Who am I?
You are Mala...
...our savior.
[music]
[waves breaking]
[music]
[music stops]
Tonight is the final
day of the ritual.
Each and every one of you
represents each day
of our commitment.
As has been foretold,
the savior did indeed
arrive for the final 3 acts.
It is she
who dictates our commitment.
It is she who will rid
us of this shallow curse.
It is she that will
give life to our shores
and to our wombs...
...for she is our savior.
And to her we shall submit.
By sunrise, you are
each to sacrifice
what you love the most...
[man vocalizing]
whether it breeds or does not.
[man] Mala.
What will you sacrifice?
[man] Mala.
I have nothing precious
left in my life,
just myself.
[man] Mala.
[music]
[man chanting]
[choking]
[thud]
[music]
What do you hold most
dear in your life?
My house.
Then it must perish by fire.
And you?
My son.
He was born a year before you.
Then he, too,
must be sacrificed.
Reema, stop it!
That's enough!
[crying]
You two do not belong
to this island.
So there's nothing
precious you have here.
You are all dismissed.
My wife Dorothy.
Am I to sacrifice her, too?
She's the one most precious
to me on this island.
You lie.
Your sacrifice
will have to wait.
After cleaning all this up...
...come to my room.
[Hameed] The sacrifice
isn't over till--
You do not speak to me
as if I'm a stranger
to the ways.
My fate was determined
the moment I was born.
I know it must be done.
[Lola sobbing softly]
[Kalyan] No more.
No more.
You did what needed to be
done, and now it's done.
And now you're
coming home with us.
Just say yes, Reema.
Say yes!
Just fucking say it!
Who's Reema?
[Lola] You are.
Reema, you're my Reems. OK?
Enough of this.
Reema.
You shall address me as Mala.
[Kalyan] What has this
island done to you?
[laughs]
I'm my best self on this island.
We need to leave.
No one...
[Kalyan groaning]
...leaves Samskara.
[music]
[Lola panting]
[Mala's laughter echoing]
[snaps fingers]
[chuckles softly]
[Kalyan groaning]
Saving the best for last.
[Kalyan groaning]
Get some good rest.
[laughs]
Bye-bye.
At least it was quick.
Better than being burned alive.
They were spared the
fate of my mother.
Shall I clean up the mess?
Yes.
And call Dorothy.
I think I'd like
a coconut milkshake.
Coconut milkshake?
That was your aunt's favorite.
May I shave coconut
pieces into it?
[chuckles]
That sounds lovely.
Robert.
After sunrise,
you are to perform
your sacrifice.
Understood?
Very well.
Is that all for now?
That is all for now.
[music]
[flies buzzing]
[knock on door]
Enter.
Just as you asked.
Bobby Beachside, the real estate
broker from big island, is here.
Thank you, Robert.
[music]
Hey. Bobby Beachside.
Miss, uh...
Mala.
Miss Mala. Of course.
I have a very, very
interested buyer,
someone who's been dying
to see the property
and, uh, someone where we won't
need to disclose all that, uh--
Disclose what, exactly?
Well, the trouble on the island.
I'm not selling the island.
I'm selling the resort.
And rest assured, there
won't be any more...
...trouble on this island.
Of course.
But I want to sell it fast.
How fast?
The price is 13 million,
and your commission drops
half a percentage every hour.
Stay right here.
[music]
[Bobby] 13 million.
Young lady, you
have no idea how long
I've wanted this property.
You have yourself a deal.
Consider this a down payment.
One thing.
You are to rename
the resort after me.
You are to rename it Mala.
That's a beautiful name.
Tell me where to wire the money,
and we have ourselves a deal.
Robert will manage the details.
Very well.
Looks like you got
your full commission.
[music]
[speaking native language]
We can feel assured that
our bloodline will continue.
Robert, where's
my Bhagavad Gita?
Oh, I don't touch
personal possessions.
But I cleaned your room, and
I even polished the spear.
I noticed.
I spent the entire night
sorting out this island--
houses, beloved possessions
all burned to the ground...
families sacrificed
by immolation.
But it's all cleaned up now
as if it had never happened.
[Dorothy chuckles]
[whispers indistinctly]
Huh.
You're back.
You...
you're--
you're free now...
...to live the life you care to.
After all, you were a child.
It wasn't your fault.
It was your mother's mistakes.
She cursed us all.
[music]
Are you sure you don't need
me to escort you to the dock?
I'll be fine.
Remember, you have one
last sacrifice to perform.
This is for you and Dorothy--
to help you with
starting a family.
Thank you for everything.
Good-bye, Robert.
Good-bye, Mala.
[music]
[all] Bye, Mala.
[music]
[music]
[woman] Mala.
[singer] Beautiful
sandy beaches
Happiness within our reach
Reema, Reema, you're so fine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Fun in the sun,
friends forever
Reema, Reema, you're so fine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
A sudden twist
A sudden turn
Thunder and lightning
I see my urn
Uh, stop
Don't leave me this way
Mala, Mala, go away
What did I do to
deserve this fate?
I won't be seeing
you at heaven's gate
I came to have
fun in the sun
And now all I can
think is run
Mala, Mala, go away
Mala, Mala,
go away
Mala, Mala, go away
Beautiful sandy beaches,
happiness within our reach
Reema, Reema, you're so fine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Sometimes I think
you're divine
Mala
Reema/Mala
Sometimes I think
you're divine
A sudden twist
A sudden turn
Thunder and lightning
I see my urn
Uh, stop
Don't leave me this way
Mala, Mala, go away
What did I do to
deserve this fate?
I won't be seeing
you at heaven's gate
I came to have
fun in the sun
And now all I
can think is run
Mala, Mala, go away
Mala, Mala,
go away
Mala, Mala...