Netflix’s documentary “Curry & Cyanide – The Jolly Joseph Story” attempts to explore the mysterious and chilling serial killings that took place in Kerala’s Koodathayi between 2002 and 2014. The film, directed by Christo Tomy, delves into the case of Jolly Joseph, a middle-aged woman accused of murdering six people with cyanide. Despite the potential for a deep examination of family dynamics, resentments, and betrayals, the documentary falls short, adopting a sensationalist approach that undermines the complexity of the story. This review critically examines the film’s strengths and weaknesses, highlighting its superficiality, lack of coherence, and dissatisfying narrative.
Synopsis:
The documentary unfolds the disturbing events in Koodathayi, where six individuals died under mysterious circumstances. Jolly Joseph, arrested in 2019, was accused of using cyanide to kill four relatives and two individuals closely connected to the family. The deaths initially went unnoticed, with the family attributing them to natural causes, particularly due to the elderly age of some victims. Suspicion arose only when others in Jolly’s circle started dying similarly, prompting the family to investigate. The police, armed with an RTI inquiry, discovered inconsistencies in Jolly’s narrative about her husband’s death, leading to the exhumation of bodies. The documentary follows the investigation led by KG Simon, featuring insights from Rojo and Renji Thomas, Jolly’s late husband’s siblings.
Strengths:
The film effectively captures the shocking nature of the crimes and the subsequent investigation, maintaining a breakneck pace that holds the audience’s attention. The inclusion of key figures such as Rojo and Renji Thomas, along with lead investigator KG Simon, adds a personal dimension to the narrative. The use of news clippings and talking heads contributes to the storytelling, offering glimpses into the media frenzy surrounding Jolly Joseph’s arrest.
Weaknesses:
One major flaw of “Curry & Cyanide” is its failure to provide a nuanced portrayal of Jolly Joseph. While the documentary hints at possible motives such as financial gain, it struggles to present a coherent picture of Jolly’s personality. The lack of on-location footage and a sense of place further diminishes the film’s impact, leaving viewers disconnected from the gravity of the crimes. The recreations employed in the absence of real drama are deemed ineffective, contributing to a sense of aimlessness.
Additionally, the film leaves critical questions unanswered, such as Rojo and Renji’s motivations for launching a crusade against Jolly and the identity of her alleged accomplices. The film briefly hints at the possibility of planted evidence, raising concerns about the credibility of the investigation. Most importantly, Jolly Joseph’s motivations for committing these heinous crimes remain shrouded in mystery, leaving a substantial void in the narrative.
Conclusion: “Curry & Cyanide – The Jolly Joseph Story” falls short of delivering a satisfying true crime documentary, succumbing to sensationalism rather than offering a profound exploration of the case. The lack of depth in character portrayal, absence of on-location footage, and unanswered questions diminish the overall impact. While the documentary succeeds in creating a sense of intrigue around the Koodathayi serial killings, it fails to fulfill its potential as a compelling and comprehensive narrative. With a rating of 2/5, the film leaves viewers dissatisfied, yearning for a more insightful and well-rounded examination of the Jolly Joseph case.
