The story follows a group of documentary filmmakers who venture into an abandoned building rumored to be haunted. As they attempt to uncover the truth behind the unsettling whispers heard in the area, they encounter a series of eerie events that blur the line between reality and nightmare. The film gradually builds suspense, relying on unsettling visuals, clever sound design, and psychological tension rather than traditional jump scares.
Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Arivazhagan |
| Cast | Richie Kapoor |
| Devraj Arumugam | |
| Suganya Shanmugam | |
| Yuvikha Rajendran | |
| Aria Selvaraj |
Story/ Plot
Murmur opens with a text introduction accompanied by a radio show-like voiceover, setting the stage for its documentary-style narrative. The film introduces Richie Kapoor as Rishi, Devraj Arumugam as Melvin, and Suganya Shanmugam as Ankitha. The trio prepares for their adventure while sharing their thoughts, engaging in playful banter, and exchanging casual insults. These small interactions effectively reveal their personalities, maintaining viewer engagement despite the film’s subdued pace.
The characters are thoughtfully established, with the journey from their Chennai apartment to the forest where they plan to shoot their content portrayed in detail. Despite this extensive buildup, the film struggles to create a strong emotional connection with the audience, making it hard to fully invest in the characters.
Joining the group is Yuvikha Rajendran as Kaantha, their guide. While the character development is rich, the story ultimately lacks impactful moments, causing the horror elements to feel underwhelming. However, this focus on character depth allows the film to emphasize its thematic undertones.
Each character embodies a distinct flaw:
- Rishi represents aimlessness and a desire for instant gratification, ultimately meeting his end due to his inability to stay focused.
- Melvin, driven by ambition and an insatiable thirst for achievement, faces his demise as a consequence of his relentless pursuit of success.
- Ankitha‘s narcissism isolates her, resulting in her lonely death.
- Jenifer, portrayed as naive and overly dependent on others, perishes due to her lack of self-awareness.
By exploring these flaws, Murmur becomes a compelling reflection on human nature, making it as much a psychological study as a horror experience.
Review
Murmur blends found-footage horror with psychological themes, creating a unique yet uneven cinematic experience. Directed by Arivazhagan, the film introduces a group of content creators who set out to shoot in a mysterious forest, only to face unforeseen horrors.
Strengths
✅ Well-Developed Characters: The film dedicates considerable time to building its characters — Rishi (Richie Kapoor), Melvin (Devraj Arumugam), Ankitha (Suganya Shanmugam), and Jenifer — adding depth to their personalities. Each character represents a human flaw, which ultimately plays a crucial role in their fate.
✅ Thematic Depth: The film’s exploration of vices — from Rishi’s aimlessness to Ankitha’s narcissism — adds a layer of meaning beyond the typical horror narrative. This introspective element makes Murmur feel like a cautionary tale about self-destructive behaviors.
✅ Technical Excellence: The found-footage style is executed effectively, with immersive sound design and convincing performances that heighten the tension. The opening text and voiceover create an intriguing setup, enhancing the documentary-style storytelling.
Weaknesses
❗ Lack of Emotional Connection: Despite strong character development, the film struggles to make viewers truly empathize with the protagonists. This detachment reduces the impact of key moments.
❗ Underwhelming Horror: While the buildup is effective, the film compromises on genuine scares. The suspense is slow-burning, but the payoff feels less intense than expected.
❗ Pacing Issues: The detailed character exploration leads to a sluggish middle act, which may test the patience of viewers seeking fast-paced horror thrills.
Verdict
Murmur succeeds in presenting a technically sound and thematically rich horror experience. However, its slow pace and muted scares may leave genre enthusiasts craving more tension. For those who enjoy psychological horror with symbolic storytelling, Murmur offers a thought-provoking watch.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5
