‘The Tearsmith’ Netflix Movie Review - A Story Straight Out of Fantasy

Based on the book of the same name, the story of "The Tearsmith" unfurls its first chapter in the grim confines of Grave, an orphanage shrouded in shadows and whispers of the enigmatic Tearsmith. Within its desolate halls, tales abound of the Tearsmith's spectral hand in crafting the nightmares that haunt mankind's deepest fears. Amidst this eerie backdrop, Nica joins the orphanage after losing her parents in a deadly accident. From the first time she stepped foot in the orphanage, something didn’t seem right. This was because of Margaret’s strict and glooming presence who subjected the children to physical and mental abuse. She is the caretaker of the orphanage.

Yet, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of hope emerges when the kind-hearted Milligans extend their embrace, offering the now 17-year-old Nica the chance for a new beginning beyond the confines of Grave's ominous walls. The Milligans had lost their son and wished to be parents again.

With hesitant steps, Nica ventures forth from the orphanage's grasp, leaving behind the tales of the Tearsmith and the ghosts of her past. As she crosses the threshold into the warmth of the Milligans' home, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

In the embrace of her newfound family, Nica discovers the strength to confront the shadows of her past and forge a future untainted by the fears that once held her captive.

Amidst the newfound warmth of the Milligans' home, Nica's journey takes an unexpected turn as she discovers that she must share her sanctuary with another orphan from Grave – Rigel, a figure she suspects to be none other than the elusive Tearsmith himself. The Milligans saw Rigel playing the piano and were instantly captivated to adopt him along with Nica. The tension between them crackles with animosity born of their tumultuous past, yet beneath the surface, a complex web of emotions begins to weave its way into their reluctant hearts. As they navigate the shared corridors of their new home, the echoes of their shared pain at Grave resonate between them, forging an unspoken bond that defies their mutual enmity.

Nica finds herself drawn to Rigel in ways she cannot comprehend. Both of them share romantic feelings for each other which they aren’t ready to confront.

As they confront the ghosts of their past and the unspoken truths that bind them, Nica and Rigel find themselves on a collision course with destiny, their shared journey fraught with peril and possibility. Things take a weird turn when Lionel comes into Nica’s life. If adopted together, Nica and Rigel will end up as siblings. Will they be able to pursue their love for each other?

The Tearsmith is a story with a weak plotline. The story is predictable. In order to make it interesting the makers tried to make it eerie and mysterious but failed to do so. Overall it’s a one-time watch.

Final Score- [4/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times