Trishna (2011)

75% of critics liked it
(32 reviews)
50% want to see it
(456 ratings)

Self-effacing British auteur Michael Winterbottom sets his unique spin on Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles against a contemporary Indian backdrop. Freida Pinto stars as the titular Trishna, a young woman who is seduced by the wealthy son of a property developer. As the romance develops,… More Self-effacing British auteur Michael Winterbottom sets his unique spin on Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles against a contemporary Indian backdrop. Freida Pinto stars as the titular Trishna, a young woman who is seduced by the wealthy son of a property developer. As the romance develops, their relationship also becomes increasingly sordid and volatile. -- (C) TIFF

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 48 min.
Directed By: Michael Winterbottom
Written By: Thomas Hardy
Genres: Drama

In Theaters: Jul 13, 2012 Limited
Studio: IFC Films

Critic Reviews

Rebecca Barry, Flicks.co.nz
The result is a film that is intoxicating, emotional and exhausting.
Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun (Australia)
Pinto and Ahmed are not the most gifted of actors, their lack of screen chemistry actually fits their eternally disconnected characters curiously well.
David Stratton, At the Movies (Australia)
The film works because the social constraints that affected Tess seem to be still current even in today's rapidly changing India.
Peter Galvin, sbs.com.au
Watching it unwind is one of Trishna's great pleasures.
Simon Miraudo, Quickflix
There are times when Trishna feels like a Five Obstructions-esque experiment, such is the way in which Winterbottom has worked in his recurring motifs (stylistic and thematic). That's not necessarily a bad thing.
Ed Gibbs, The Sun Herald
Despite some typical visual flair, and an affecting soundtrack to boot, Trishna lacks the emotional punch of Hardy's novel, with Pinto and Ahmed's pairing feeling contrived.
Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile
It feels contrived, even if that's not how the book reads
Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile
Superbly made with a stunning lead performance by Freida Pinto... Trishna is a profoundly moving drama that vividly describes Indian culture and the consequences when privileges become confused
Simon Foster, Screen-Space
That Trishna does not quite amount to the sum of its parts is not as disappointing as it sounds, though one wishes the overall impact was as potent as key moments along its path.
Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine
Class privilege and sexual politics are inextricably linked in Michael Winterbottom's blunt, self-consciously brutal, and rather loose updating of Thomas Hardy's Tess of the D'Urbervilles.
Donald Clarke, Irish Times
It's a very pretty looking thing (maybe a little too pretty) featuring strong performances from both leads.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
On the one hand the original's complex texture is gravely weakened; on the other, the rambling narrative structure is transformed into a taut fable.
Kate Muir, Times [UK]
By the end, the heavy-handed soundtrack turns Trishna into a musical about room service, as Frieda Pinto trots in and out with a tray and other offerings.
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher
Classic tragic story is still classic, tragic when moved to the modern world... [S]tunning... in a way that is both magnificent and horrifying...
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
The issues of class privilege, inequality and masculine arrogance still resonate even if aspects of the novel have been twisted, misshapen and omitted on the way.
Alex Zane, Sun Online
Winterbottom has a gift for drawing natural performances from his stars.
Christopher Tookey, Daily Mail [UK]
While texture and local atmosphere are all very well, I wish Winterbottom had speeded up the plot and delved deeper into the characters.
Peter Bradshaw, Guardian [UK]
Winterbottom's location work in Jaipur and Mumbai has richness and spectacle, but somehow this does not come fully to life.