Auru (2025)★ 7.0/10

A powerful and unsettling film, the story follows a couple so desperate for money that they claim that one of them is suffering from cancer and needs all the donations that they can get for her survival. At first, it feels like a very grim comedy, and then...the turn. I don't think that it sticks the landing too well, but the performances are truly remarkable, especially Ayan Utepbergen as the husband, Azamat (I felt he was channeling early-1970s Jack Nicholson in some scenes). You could feel that the director knew just how dark it could get, but did not want to handle all of the elements involved in this change. And yes, the ending will stick with you.
Please seek this one out and have a little sympathy for the liars out there without any options.