Shape of momo Movie Review: A haunting portrait of patriarchy, sisterhood and belonging

Story: Shape of Momo is a poignant semi-autobiographical drama set in the hills of Sikkim that quietly examines patriarchy, migration, and the painful process of outgrowing a home you still deeply love. Through a metaphorical title, the film explores how women are constantly “shaped” by societal expectations and inherited conditioning. Review: At its centre is Bishnu, a 32-year-old woman who resists conformity in subtle yet powerful ways. Her quiet rebellion becomes the emotional core of the story. The narrative follows four women across three generations of a male-less household, each negotiating a society that views such a family as vulnerable, unsafe, and incomplete. Bishnu’s mother survives through caution and strategy, her sister embraces the conventional route of marriage and motherhood, while the grandmother clings to pride in her sons — one deceased, the other living abroad in Dubai, forever postponing his promise to take her with him. In the absence of a male figure, the women endure prejudice, threats to their safety, and constant undermining by workers and tenants at their orange orchard. Ironically, the film highlights how society conditions women to believe they need the presence of men for protection often from men themselves. Writers Kislay and Tribeny Rai portray patriarchy not merely as a system upheld by men, but as something deeply internalised by women themselves. One of the film’s most striking moments comes when the family fears an intruder in their isolated home and Bishnu’s mother shouts, “Your father will wake up,” hoping the mere suggestion of a man’s presence will scare him away. She even hangs her late husband’s clothes outside to create the illusion that a man still lives there — a heartbreaking reminder of how safety is often tied to masculinity. Archana Ghangrekar’s cinematography beautifully captures Bishnu’s emotional isolation, whether she is sitting alone by the river or jogging through the misty hills. While outsiders often romanticise the mountains as places of peace, Bishnu experiences them as claustrophobic, filled with watchful eyes and unspoken judgement. The immersive sound design by Akita Purkayastha and production design by Uttam Mondal vividly bring rural Sikkim to life, grounding the film in the textures of everyday existence rather than postcard beauty. What makes Shape of Momo especially affecting is what it leaves unsaid. Its emotional power lies in pauses, silences, restrained heartbreak, and the quiet bond between women. The film trusts its audience enough to sit with discomfort and loneliness instead of overexplaining them. It’s a tender exploration of womanhood, belonging, and the invisible weight of patriarchy set against the breathtaking landscapes of Sikkim, where home is both sanctuary and a cage. It observes the quiet resilience of women living without men. If you appreciate slow-burn, deeply personal stories rooted in atmosphere and emotional nuance, Shape of Momo is absolutely worth watching.