Latest news with #Milla
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's new psychological thriller movie is an unnerving descent into madness — but there's a problem
Netflix is going big on thrillers lately, and you can't blame the streaming service either. Its subscriber base seems to gobble up intense and twisting flicks with glee, so there's a good chance 'A Normal Woman' will be the latest original to make a real splash. It wouldn't surprise me if this Indonesian psychological thriller resonates. There's quite a lot to like here, from the hooky premise of a woman slowly spiralling into madness as her seemingly perfect life crumbles, to the strong leading performance from Marissa Anita. But its strengths are mostly skin-deep. Underneath the intrigue and the unsettling moments (of which there are quite a few), director Lucky Kuswandi never manages to elevate the proceedings above its daytime TV tone, and it can be quite a patience-testing watch. Curious to know more? Here's everything you need to know about 'A Normal Woman' to help you make the call on whether to add it to your Netflix watchlist or give this one a skip. Milla (Marissa Anita) has a seemingly perfect life. She's the wife of a successful businessman (Dion Wiyoko), and living in luxury, her list of problems or stresses seems to be extremely small. However, looks can be deceiving, and the pressure to be perfect weighs heavily on her. And this anxiety begins to manifest itself in increasingly skin-crawling ways. First, as a rash on her neck before spreading to cover her entire face. And the itching becomes unbearable. Under the stern eye of her mother-in-law, Liliana (Widyawati), Milla's sanity begins to spiral, and she also struggles to recall her childhood. It's not long before dark secrets surface. 'A Normal Woman' dives deep into the pressures that come with trying to keep up a facade. Initially, Milla appears to have it all, but it quickly becomes apparent that her perfect life is anything but a dream. She faces relatable insecurities and lacks a sense of self and direction. It certainly doesn't help that the people around her do little but pile on more pressure. Her husband seems far from concerned about her struggles, more annoyed to be 'forced' to deal with her problems, and her mother-in-law is quite a nasty piece of work. Blaming Milla's woes on things like not attending church regularly, while doting endlessly on her son. Milla is also struggling to raise her young daughter, who has deep insecurities of her own, bemoaning her appearance, and desperate for plastic surgery to make herself feel pretty. You probably won't be surprised to know that her self-loathing is only exacerbated by scrolling social media, observing people who present themselves as impeccably put together. When Milla's rash breaks through, it starts small, just a small red patch on her neck, but as her psyche cracks further, and she can't help but scratch, it becomes a festering wound, leaking blood and spreading across her entire face. It's an effective way of showing Milla's troubles bubble to the surface, and for body horror fans, it's effective enough to make you itch your own skin. Throw in the mystery surrounding Milla's childhood, surreal nightmares and teasing glimpses of a dark past, and 'A Normal Woman' has plenty to hook viewers in its early stages. But despite its initial narrative strength, it has quite a soap-opera-like quality, often opting for a melodramatic approach. "A Normal Woman" has grand ideas, exploring its characters' deep-rooted insecurities and incorporating uncomfortable elements of gaslighting, but it often presents them in ways that feel cheap and look more than a little shoddy. Poor green screening on some outdoor scenes doesn't help this issue. However, I think what will really turn some viewers away is the plodding pacing. The movie clocks in at almost two hours, but barely has enough material for a 90-minute movie. It labours its central point, with multiple scenes dedicated to the same idea and repeating details endlessly. I don't mind a slow-burn thriller, but 'A Normal Woman' lays down its cards very early on and has precious few tricks up its sleeve to keep you invested until the very end. Answering this key question is surprisingly tricky. 'A Normal Woman' has quite a bit to say, and much of it is valuable. It's a relatable feeling to be fixated on your outward appearance, and to struggle with anxiety about how you're perceived in the pressure cooker of modern life. But, at the same time, 'A Normal Woman' has a lot of major faults that make it quite a slog to sit through. Too often it trades subtlety for melodrama, and it forgets that sometimes less or more. Plus, I feel the slow-burn pacing is going to be a dealbreaker for an awful lot of viewers. Genre fans may want to give this new psychological thriller a chance, but I expect many people will switch off before they can reach the ending. And considering it doesn't do enough to retain your interest for almost two hours, I can't exactly blame anybody for deciding to dip out early. 'A Normal Woman' seems destined to go down as a Netflix thriller movie with interesting ideas that never quite coalesce into a truly satisfying whole. It could have been a must-watch, but instead is ultimately merely passable. Another Netflix movie that will get lost in the platform's vast library. Which, in some ways, is more irritating than even the itchiest rash. Looking for more Netflix recommendations? Check out our guide to all the new movies on Netflix in July 2025. Or why not try the streamer's new twist-filled thriller with a shocking ending? Watch "A Normal Woman" on Netflix now
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Miss World organisers hit back over walkout contestant's 'exploited' claims
Miss England Milla Magee, 24, has accused Miss World organisers of placing her in 'vulnerable' situations with wealthy investors - the competion has hit back and released a video of Milla in response Miss World organisers have denied allegations from Miss England who claimed that she was exploited and 'farmed out for entertainment' at the pageant in India. Just days before the finale of the competition, Miss England Milla Magee quit the contest because it was "outdated" and went against her morals. The 24-year-old, from Newquay, Cornwall, said she left the pageant on May 16, originally stating it was due to "personal reasons". But now she has revealed that she used her mother's health to escape the competition, which was being held in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad. According to Milla, the participants were made to 'sit like performing monkeys'. She further claimed that contestants were forced to "entertain" middle-aged male investors at extravagant dinners, as a way to say "thank you" for sponsorships. The beauty queen said she felt "like a prostitute" during her time in the competition and said she had to get away from it all. READ MORE: Viral K-beauty 'glass skin' moisturiser finally launches in UK and we've tried it out She told The Sun: 'I found that unbelievable. I remember thinking, 'This is so wrong'. I didn't come here to be farmed out for people's entertainment. Miss World is supposed to have the same values, but it's outdated and stuck in the past. "They made me feel like a prostitute. I was feeling vulnerable after the appalling way we had been treated and I just needed to go home, I couldn't stay in a contest that did not appear to me to be morally right." Following the allegations, Miss World has since released video footage of Milla praising the competition. "You were all so accommodating. The gratitude I have for you all is so overwhelming. I'm so grateful for you hosting us here," she said in the video posted on Instagram. However, Milla responded to the footage and said: "In that situation we had to do what we were told and if someone points a camera in your face and tells you to smile then you are going to do it." Miss World disputed the allegations and issued a statement online. CEO Julia Morley branded the claims as "defamatory'. The statement said: "Earlier this month, Milla Magee requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother's health. As a mother and grandmother herself, Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, responded to Milla's situation with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, placing the well-being of the contestant and her family first. 'Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that certain UK media outlets have published false and defamatory statements, allegedly made by Milla Magee, regarding her experience in India. These claims are completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us. "In response, the Miss World Organisation is releasing unedited videos recorded during Milla's stay in India, in which she expresses gratitude, joy, and appreciation for the experience. These videos reflect her own words and sentiments and serve as a direct contradiction to the recent false narratives.'
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Miss World bosses hit back at Miss England's claims she was ‘made to feel like prostitute' – & release bombshell footage
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MISS ENGLAND has hit back at Miss World bosses after they accused her of lying to escape the pageant. Milla Magee, 24, walked out on the contest in India after she claimed she and the other finalists were being 'exploited'. 1 Milla Magee, 24, walked out on the contest in India after she claimed she and the other finalists were being 'exploited' Credit: The Mega Agency She told how they were used to entertain wealthy male 'sponsors' at posh dinners in Hyderabad as a 'thank you' for the money they pumped into the show. Milla said she was made to feel 'like a prostitute'. Miss World organiser Julia Morley launched a savage attack on Milla and even released videos of her at the hotel which appear to show her enjoying the experience. Ms Morley said Milla told bosses she had 'a family emergency involving her mother's health' and that they treated her with 'compassion' and arranged her return to England. MIlla said yesterday: 'My mum has had a recent health problem, but I said what I needed to say to get out of there. 'I was feeling vulnerable after the appalling way we had been treated and I just needed to go home, I couldn't stay in a contest that did not appear to me to be morally right. 'I'm shocked that MIss World have released videos of me at the hotel without my permission, they give an entirely false impression. 'In that situation we had to do what we were told and if someone points a camera in your face and tells you to smile then you are going to do it. 'But the reality was that I was miserable and could not stay to support the Miss World organisation. 'I felt exploited at having to talk to these dignitaries at dinners and one of the contest's officials clapped in my face after telling me and the other girls we were boring. Milla Magee the first plus size winner of Miss England 'That's just not an acceptable way to treat people.' She said her walk-out has drawn support from around the world, including former beauty queens. Milla, of Newquay, Cornwall, said: 'Other past contestants have been in touch to say they felt the same way when they were in Miss World. 'It's an outdated organisation that just hasn't moved with the times.' Milla's mum Kat Russell was furious to see Miss World claim they helped Milla get home. She said: 'Milla was put in a taxi at 3am and left to find her own way back. I organised the flights for her and paid the £600 air fare. She got no help at all from Miss World.' A Miss World spokesperson said Milla's claims were 'completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us'. The spokesperson added: 'Earlier this month Milla Magee requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother's health. As a mother and grandmother herself, Julia Morley, Chairman of Miss World, responded to Milla's situation with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, placing the well-being of the contestant and her family first.'
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Miss World bosses hit back at Miss England's claims she was ‘made to feel like prostitute' – & release bombshell footage
MISS ENGLAND has hit back at Miss World bosses after they accused her of lying to escape the pageant. 1 Milla Magee, 24, walked out on the contest in India after she claimed she and the other finalists were being 'exploited' Credit: The Mega Agency She told how they were used to entertain wealthy male 'sponsors' at posh dinners in Hyderabad as a 'thank you' for the money they pumped into the show. Milla said she was made to feel 'like a prostitute'. Ms Morley said Milla told bosses she had 'a family emergency involving her mother's health' and that they treated her with 'compassion' and arranged her return to England. Read More on UK News MIlla said yesterday: 'My mum has had a recent health problem, but I said what I needed to say to get out of there. 'I was feeling vulnerable after the appalling way we had been treated and I just needed to go home, I couldn't stay in a contest that did not appear to me to be morally right. 'I'm shocked that MIss World have released videos of me at the hotel without my permission, they give an entirely false impression. 'In that situation we had to do what we were told and if someone points a camera in your face and tells you to smile then you are going to do it. Most read in The Sun 'But the reality was that I was miserable and could not stay to support the Miss World organisation. 'I felt exploited at having to talk to these dignitaries at dinners and one of the contest's officials clapped in my face after telling me and the other girls we were boring. Milla Magee the first plus size winner of Miss England 'That's just not an acceptable way to treat people.' She said her walk-out has drawn support from around the world, including former beauty queens. Milla, of Newquay, Cornwall, said: 'Other past contestants have been in touch to say they felt the same way when they were in Miss World. 'It's an outdated organisation that just hasn't moved with the times.' Milla's mum Kat Russell was furious to see Miss World claim they helped Milla get home. She said: 'Milla was put in a taxi at 3am and left to find her own way back. I organised the flights for her and paid the £600 air fare. She got no help at all from Miss World.' A Miss World spokesperson said Milla's claims were 'completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us'. The spokesperson added: 'Earlier this month Milla Magee requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother's health. As a mother and grandmother herself, Julia Morley, Chairman of Miss World, responded to Milla's situation with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, placing the well-being of the contestant and her family first.'
NDTV
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
On Miss England's India Experience, A Clarification From Miss World Organisation
The Miss World Organisation has released unedited videos of Miss England to counter the allegations made in the British press about her experience in India as part of the Miss World pageant. Miss England 2024 Milla Magee withdrew from the ongoing Miss World 2025 pageant being hosted in Telangana, citing personal and ethical concerns. Ms Magee, in a statement to British tabloid The Sun, expressed disappointment with the pageant's environment, which she said did not align with her expectations of "beauty with a purpose". "Tipping point came when they (contestants) were allegedly asked to socialise with middle-aged men as a gesture of appreciation for their financial contributions to the event," The Sun reported. Julia Morley, Chairperson and CEO of Miss World Organisation, dismissed the claims as "completely unfounded and inconsistent" with the reality. "Earlier this month, Milla Maggie requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother's health. As a mother and grandmother herself, Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World, responded to Milla's situation with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, placing the well-being of the contestant and her family first," the Miss World Organsiation said in a statement. Contestants were reportedly expected to wear make-up at all times and remain dressed in ball gowns throughout the day. "Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that certain UK media outlets have published false and defamatory statements, allegedly made by Milla Magee, regarding her experience in India. These claims are completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us," said the organisation. "In response, the Miss World Organisation is releasing unedited videos recorded during Milla's stay in India, in which she expresses gratitude, joy, and appreciation for the experience. These videos reflect her own words and sentiments, and serve as a direct contradiction to the recent false narratives," it added. Following Miss England's departure, Charlotte Grant, the 1st runner-up of Miss England, stepped in to represent her country, said the organisation, adding that she has been "warmly welcomed into the Miss World sisterhood". The organisation underlined that it remains committed to truth, dignity. "Miss World remains committed to truth, dignity, and the values of Beauty With a Purpose. We urge media outlets to uphold journalistic integrity and verify their sources before publishing misleading content," it said.
