Ahead of the premiere of “ This Tempting Madness ” at the International Film Festival of India ( IFFI ), director Jennifer E. Montgomery and actor Suraj Sharma spoke about shaping the psychological thriller’s real-life origins, its non-linear dive into memory and the casting process that ultimately centered on Simone Ashley ’s performance.

Montgomery described the story as “largely true,” while Sharma — returning to IFFI more than a decade after “Life of Pi” opened it — reflected on the script’s density and the collaborative spirit that drew him to the film.

Inspired by a true incident, the story follows Mia, played by Simone Ashley (“Bridgerton”), who awakens from a coma after a near-fatal fall. Gravely injured and unable to fully recall her past, she learns that her husband is

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