`The Terrorist,” from India, is a film of rare beauty and passion; a hair-raising portrait of a young assassin in what may be the last days of her life.
The debut feature of young director Santosh Sivan, this extraordinary film puts us in emotional vise from its very first frames — as, for a few tense days, we follow the preparations of a young girl (hypnotically well-played by Ayesha Dharkar), who has been selected to kill a top government official in a suicide bomb attack.
As Malli readies herself for the murder and her own death, memories flood her mind. Life seems more precious than ever. This reverence becomes a constant silent commentary on the girl’s fate. We watch, rapt and vulnerable, as the doom comes closer. Why? That is the question this great, harrowing film never asks, maybe never has to ask. “The Terrorist” opens Friday at Century Centre Cinema. (star) (star) (star) 1/2 Running time: 1:35. No MPAA rating (adult).
