‘Accused’ review: A complex character study is undone by neatness

She is a gynaecologist reputed for her professional skills. About her people skills, the less said the better.

Impatient and abrasive, Geetika (Konkona Sensharma) has few supporters when she is accused of sexual misconduct. The allegations don’t just cause tensions at the hospital outside London where Geetika works – they also drive a wedge between her and her wife Meera (Pratibha Rannta).

The charges of predatory behaviour turbocharge Geetika’s combative instincts. She is hostile towards the appointed investigator Bhargav (Mashhoor Amrohi). Geetika also bristles at Meera’s inquiries – here is somebody who doesn’t like to explain herself, least of all to somebody she expects to be on her side.

But Meera is keeping her own counsel. She’s dismayed by what she perceives as Geetika’s insensitivity. Besides, there is a strong chance that Geetika is guilty.

Accused, out on Netflix, is an unusual movie about MeToo that puts a woman – and a queer woman at that – in the dock. Written by Sima Agarwal and Yash Keswani and directed by Anubhuti Kashyap, the Hindi-English production is an initially sharp, clear-eyed exploration of the abuse of power at workplaces and the corrosive effect of doubt on relationships.

The movie’s gender role reversal is reminiscent of the Cate Blanchett-starrer Tar. While Accused too is curious about...

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