Eko Movie Review: A Film That Unsettles Without Explaining

I walked into Eko expecting a regular forest-set thriller, but the film had its own way of pulling me in. Something is unsettling about the way it opens, quiet, tense, and layered with an eeriness that never really leaves. What initially feels confusing slowly shapes into something far more revealing. Every frame feels calculated, and the film makes you work for every answer. You’re never sure if the next scene will clarify something or twist the knife deeper. Eko isn’t here to spoon-feed; it wants you to absorb, decode, and question. Even if I’m a bit late to this party, trust me, it’s a movie you shouldn’t miss. And honestly, the more I think about it, the more I realize how many subtle details I might have overlooked on the first watch. It’s one of those films that rewards your full attention.

The tension builds naturally without relying on loud moments or flashy reveals. The forest breathes, whispers, and threatens in its own way, drawing you fully into the character's unsettling reality. The storytelling is deliberate, immersive, and moody, keeping you guessing at every turn. By the time it ends, you realize the surprises along the way linger far longer than expected. Mystery, dread, and emotion all weave together seamlessly, making it one of those films that stays with you. If you love thrillers that challenge your attention and leave you thinking, Eko is worth every minute. And the performances really elevate the experience; each character feels lived-in and essential to the story, making the suspense feel personal and immediate.

The Story So Far

Mohan Pothan (Vineeth) arrives at a lodge near the Kerala-Karnataka border, searching for the house of a friend named Kuriachan, a man with a mysterious past. Guided by Appootty (Ashokan), he travels to Kuriachan' s remote estate in the Western Ghats, claiming his purpose is to procure a rare dog breed brought from Malaysia. Soon, events take a tense turn, and the quiet estate is filled with unease. Pothan’s sudden disappearance, the fate of a lone Husky, and the atmosphere of the hills create an immediate sense of suspense. Inside the estate, Mlaathi Chedathi (Biana Momin) lives with her househelp Peeyoos (Sandeep Pradeep), whose calm presence conceals secrets of its own. Visitors arrive with ambiguous motives, letters and messages hint at long-hidden truths, and every conversation carries weight. The forested hills, the estate, and the lingering mystery slowly pull viewers into a world where nothing is as straightforward as it seems.

As the story unfolds, more characters enter with unclear intentions, each adding layers of intrigue and tension. Peeyoos interactions with newcomers and locals keep you guessing about who can be trusted. The narrative moves carefully, revealing past events and relationships while maintaining an air of uncertainty. Secrets about Kuriachan, the estate, and the surrounding hills gradually surface, giving the story a slow-burning suspense that rewards attention. The estate and its natural surroundings almost feel alive, shaping the mood and keeping the audience on edge. Eko thrives on subtlety, letting tension grow through observation rather than loud shocks. Every moment, every glance, hints at hidden agendas that encourage you to stay alert.

At its core, Eko is a layered thriller about mystery, pursuit, and hidden truths. The forest, the estate, and the people within it all contribute to a tense, immersive experience. It’s the kind of film that draws you in and lingers in your mind long after the credits roll.

Faces Behind the Tension

At the heart of Eko is Mlaathi Chedathi, whose presence dominates the estate and the story’s tension. She’s calm, composed, and meticulously in control of her surroundings, but there’s a quiet intensity that hints at her mysterious past. Every action, from the way she moves through the estate to the subtle authority in her voice, reflects a life shaped by secrets and survival. Mlaathi is patient yet commanding, always observing before she acts, which gives her a magnetic and unpredictable aura. She balances warmth and authority, making you feel both empathy and awe, while maintaining a thick atmosphere of suspense around her. 

Peeyoos, Mlaathi’s househelp, is far from ordinary. On the surface, he appears loyal, calm, and dutiful; however, as the story unfolds, hints of a layered and complex past emerge. He carries himself with quiet purpose, never revealing everything at once, and his interactions with visitors, Mlaathi, and the estate reveal a careful calculation behind his actions. Peeyoos’ character keeps you guessing. Is he simply serving the household, or is there more beneath the surface? His blend of humility, intelligence, and subtle tension adds to the film’s suspense, making him one of the most intriguing characters in Eko.

Other major players bring the story to life: Mohan Pothan, the outsider whose curiosity drives the plot forward; Kuriyachan, the elusive figure whose legend and absence shape the estate’s tension; Narain, whose arrival adds unpredictability; Appootty, the guide whose quiet decisions influence events; and Sandeep Pradeep, Binu Pappu, and Biana Momin, whose characters are central to the narrative, enriching the suspense and emotional depth throughout. Together, this ensemble creates a tense, immersive atmosphere that keeps viewers hooked, making the estate and forest feel alive with secrets and subtle danger.

Where Direction Meets Writing

The direction of Eko leans heavily into restraint, and that’s where its strength lies. Instead of rushing to explain or impress, the film trusts atmosphere, silence, and pacing to do the work. The director allows scenes to unfold slowly, letting tension build organically rather than forcing it through dramatic cues. There’s a clear confidence in how the story is staged, with wide frames, lingering shots, and an environment that feels deliberately oppressive. The forest isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active presence that shapes the mood and behaviour of the characters. This measured approach makes the film feel immersive, pulling you into its uneasy rhythm. It’s the kind of direction that rewards patience rather than instant reactions.

The writing and screenplay follow the same philosophy: layered, controlled, and intentionally withholding. Information is revealed gradually, often through conversations that feel natural rather than expositional. Characters speak like real people, carrying subtext instead of conveniently spelling things out. The screenplay trusts the audience to connect dots, notice patterns, and sit with ambiguity. There’s a strong balance between past and present, with backstories woven in carefully without disrupting the flow. What stands out is how the script maintains tension without relying on constant twists. It keeps you engaged through mood, character psychology, and unanswered questions, making Eko a slow-burning thriller that stays with you long after it ends.

Final Thoughts: A Slow-Burn Thriller Worth Your Time

Eko isn’t a film that tries to please everyone, and that’s exactly where its strength lies. It leans into mood, silence, and uncertainty, trusting the audience to stay with it. Visually striking and atmospherically heavy, the film lingers long after it ends. Not every question is answered, and the ambiguity may divide viewers, but for many, that restraint becomes its biggest draw. The tension comes from what’s suggested rather than shown, slowly building a sense of unease. If you enjoy slow-burn thrillers that prioritise atmosphere over instant payoff, Eko is absolutely worth your time.

By the way, if you’re into grounded film thoughts, underrated thriller picks, or just plain honest recommendations, I’m over on Instagram:@bingewatch_perspective.  That’s where I post quick recaps, hot takes, and those offbeat gems you might’ve missed.

P.S. If you’re easing into the new year, you can also catch up on everything you might’ve missed here on the blog in 2025.

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