Mala (2026)

[bunniefuu]

[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 k*ll 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 f*cking 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...