I found this to be a disappointment as my expectations were high cos of Joko Anwar. His Satan's Slaves is a solid horror film n his Gundala is an amazing action thriller.
This one started off very well, a young woman working in a toll booth during the wee hours, a man passes the booth regularly n stares at her giving her the creepy vibes. Her fear comes alive when the man tells her everything about her, from her name, her father's name n her village wher she was born, all these info creeps her out even more.
After this suspenseful start, the film lost the pace but the atmosphere kept it going when the woman unearths that she has inherited a big, old dilapidated house n visits her village so that she can sell off the house.
The old woman's mumbo jumbo dancing is hilarious.
In most of the horror/thriller films things get messy due to the cell fone or its ringing but why the need to throw away the phone when it can b put on silence or vibration.
The end came very rushing n the twist isn't that shocking.
Generous with a 7 cos of some fine direction and as a fan of Joko Anwar.
82 Reviews
Great setting, Amazing Acting, Frightening Atmosphere, But Could Have Been So Much More...
stephanushanurjaya20 October 2019
The set up of this film feels very convincing. The dialogue is pretty good. The interaction between characters in this film feels natural and believable.The setting and tone of this film is no doubt one of the best in Indonesian film history. One of my favorite aspect of this film is the depiction of a culture that feels sacred and real. This really helps bring up the feeling of uneasiness from the audiences.
After a convincing build up, the film feels like it ended in a hurry. The mysteries that have been built slowly from the start are forced to be answered in some flashbacks that are annoying and feel too long.The motivation of the villain feel poorly developed. At the end of this film, I feel there is a scene that can be compared to the "save Martha" scene which I think is quite stupid.
Maybe the problem with this film is rooted in the film's duration which is not long enough. This film can be a real masterpiece, but sadly this film did not reach its full potential. I really hope that Joko Anwar fix these problems in his next films.
After a convincing build up, the film feels like it ended in a hurry. The mysteries that have been built slowly from the start are forced to be answered in some flashbacks that are annoying and feel too long.The motivation of the villain feel poorly developed. At the end of this film, I feel there is a scene that can be compared to the "save Martha" scene which I think is quite stupid.
Maybe the problem with this film is rooted in the film's duration which is not long enough. This film can be a real masterpiece, but sadly this film did not reach its full potential. I really hope that Joko Anwar fix these problems in his next films.
Recommended.
abloe16 November 2019
Impetigore is the saviour of Indonesian horror in a currently formulated and oversaturated industry. Joko Anwar's ability to blend traditional mysticism with his trademark twists and directing is a feast to the eye.
Good takes on indonesian horror
nellz_nivlecn22 October 2019
This movie exceeds my expectation from the usual indonesian horror movie genre. I've watched Pengabdi Setan and wasnt really impressed by it. So my expectation when watching this movie was not very high, but all that was gone just after seeing the opening scene. It was good, it was thrilling and full of tension, the scene captures my attention immediately. But as good as the opening scene were, the story especially the motives behind it all seems a little bit convoluted and forced. I do gave props for mr.anwar for setting up some takes as if it was gonna be a jumpscare but ended up didnt do it and then show us the take that completely took us by surprise.
He reversed our expectation of jumpscare.
The pacing is great, the lead actress and actors are great with the exception of the old lady and some extras, she overdone it a bit in my opinion. Also the use of language is rather odd, mixing jawa language and formal indonesian accent was kind of created an imbalance of the whole atmospheric feeling. It threw me off every time I hear it. It would've been better if they used full jawa accent, the lead with full jakarta's accent and didn't mix the two.
All and all this is a solid cinema work. Mr anwar managed to capture the eerieness of a small village, the horror of black magic and what the mob mentality of an isolated villagers can do.
All and all this is a solid cinema work. Mr anwar managed to capture the eerieness of a small village, the horror of black magic and what the mob mentality of an isolated villagers can do.
Heavy gore and some tough scenes to watch in a well put together little film
jtindahouse30 July 2020
I was supposed to be arriving in Bali, Indonesia yesterday, but thanks to Covid-19 that trip didn't go ahead. So I decided to do the next best thing and watch an Indonesian film. And I'm kind of glad I did. I'm not sure I've seen an Indonesian film before, and if this is my first taste then I'm okay with that. It wasn't a bad film by any stretch of the imagination.
I'm not exactly sure what the title 'Impetigore' means, but the word gore is in there and the film certainly had plenty of that. It falls back on that more often than not. It tries to scare you in a few places (not with a lot of success) but for the most part it would certainly rather gross you out. There was some pretty genuinely hard stuff to watch in the mix too I'd have to say. The stuff involving newborn babies was particularly tough. But that's what a good gore-based film does, it challenges its viewer to outlast it and stick through until the end. It's not supposed to be easy.
I really liked the opening scene and the very final scene in this movie. They bookended the film perfectly. I also liked how the movie always kept the viewer in the know about what was going on. It's never fun being confused in a horror film, so I was very pleased they did a good job of making it easy to follow. I had a good time with 'Impetigore' and would recommend it as a worth a look.
I'm not exactly sure what the title 'Impetigore' means, but the word gore is in there and the film certainly had plenty of that. It falls back on that more often than not. It tries to scare you in a few places (not with a lot of success) but for the most part it would certainly rather gross you out. There was some pretty genuinely hard stuff to watch in the mix too I'd have to say. The stuff involving newborn babies was particularly tough. But that's what a good gore-based film does, it challenges its viewer to outlast it and stick through until the end. It's not supposed to be easy.
I really liked the opening scene and the very final scene in this movie. They bookended the film perfectly. I also liked how the movie always kept the viewer in the know about what was going on. It's never fun being confused in a horror film, so I was very pleased they did a good job of making it easy to follow. I had a good time with 'Impetigore' and would recommend it as a worth a look.
In the middle of crappy local horror movies, Joko Anwar always stands out!!
hiraishinnojutsu18 October 2019
From the studio (or producer) that brought you 2016's "The Wailing", though in my opinion not as great, "Impetigore" is an evidence that Joko Anwar (Jokan) is ever ready to take the global market with his horror, mind-twisting work of art (or at least just Asia, or maybe the south-eastern part of the continent). It's an improvement of his directing, writing, and movie making skills; Plot-twist was unexpected to me (I had it figured in my mind, then I was like, "oh, it's nothing like I had thought before"). Blood cgi is already perfect, ghost cgi? not so, still need a lot of improvement. mature content was still shying away from being frontally shown, no wonder since we live in a country that BBC (or CNN? I kinda forgot which one) considers as "ultra-conservative country". There are still so much of bad horror movies produced in this country, some at least have a kind of storytelling and movie directing technique that even put Hollywood-own horror stories to shame. Korea, Japan, and Thailand are probably still kings in this matter, but I'm sure sooner or later Indonesia will catch up to those three thanks to the creative power of individuals like Jokan and the Mo Brothers. Oh talking about Mo Brothers, their next projects, "Ratu Ilmu Hitam" and "Sebelum Iblis Menjemput Ayat 2", will be released 3 weeks in the future and in the next year. Whether both will be the same level as, or even better than (or maybe worse than, please don't!!), "Impetigore" is a matter time will tell.
Not that bad
steamnik10 August 2020
Development of previous Joko Anwar's movie, Pengabdi Setan (Satan's Slave)
bangdayshop17 October 2019
I really like the visual tone of this movie. Joko Anwar always use shades of yellow lights and dim, making the audience's perception to get into the movie storyline. Traditional and cultural elements are blended in the details in several scenes. In my opinion this movie is the development of the Pengabdi Setan (Satan's Slave) movie, but equipped with many plot twists.
To many plot hole
saifanrifqimayo20 October 2019
Strong Start. Steady Middle. Weak Ending.
CinemaClown10 August 2020
From the writer-director of Satan's Slaves comes another dark, direful & disturbing nightmare that's drenched in dread & reeks of death from start to finish. Impetigore (Perempuan Tanah Jahanam) opens on a very promising note, sustains its sinister atmosphere for a good portion of its runtime but just like the aforementioned chiller, it loses its grasp in the final act.
Written & directed by Joko Anwar, the film exudes an unnerving sense of mystery & history with its opening scene and then silently envelops the story with a foreboding mood that only magnifies as our characters step into the remote village where most of the plot unravels. Anwar's grip on horror elements is firm, and though he indulges in violence & gore, he doesn't overdo it.
The small, secluded village bears marks of death, loss, suffering & plague-like aura. The steady camerawork & low-light photography add to its ominous tone. But there are also false alarms in here that seem forced while the lame exposition feels like a shortcut. Performances are good, ambience is threatening, and it does many things right yet it falls short of delivering on the expected terror & chills.
Overall, Impetigore is a skilfully crafted folk horror that comes steeped in curses & black magic, utilises its eerie setting to good effect, and finds Joko Anwar in better control of his craft, thus serving as another solid addition to his filmography. There are several impressive bits in the final print, scattered here n there, but as a whole, this Indonesian horror still leaves behind an underwhelming feeling due to its weak third act.
Written & directed by Joko Anwar, the film exudes an unnerving sense of mystery & history with its opening scene and then silently envelops the story with a foreboding mood that only magnifies as our characters step into the remote village where most of the plot unravels. Anwar's grip on horror elements is firm, and though he indulges in violence & gore, he doesn't overdo it.
The small, secluded village bears marks of death, loss, suffering & plague-like aura. The steady camerawork & low-light photography add to its ominous tone. But there are also false alarms in here that seem forced while the lame exposition feels like a shortcut. Performances are good, ambience is threatening, and it does many things right yet it falls short of delivering on the expected terror & chills.
Overall, Impetigore is a skilfully crafted folk horror that comes steeped in curses & black magic, utilises its eerie setting to good effect, and finds Joko Anwar in better control of his craft, thus serving as another solid addition to his filmography. There are several impressive bits in the final print, scattered here n there, but as a whole, this Indonesian horror still leaves behind an underwhelming feeling due to its weak third act.
Too overated!!!!!
miho-dae7 February 2020
The cast is incredible. But i cant find something special about this movie. The opening is promising enough. But the half stories is booring. I dont get the hype. Gory? Not too much!! Scary? No!! Gripping?? Not at all...just another overated indonesian movies.
not bad after all but not that much of gore as people said on youtube
trashgang1 August 2020
And suddenly Indonesia and South Korea came on the horror map due the fact that everybody was talking about this flick. And many said, it has the word gore in it and it is gory.
So finally I was able to watch it and was it gory? Nope, not as I expected as people were telliing but still it surely is worth seeing. Becaue we aren't used to se a flick from that region it is a world that opens up for the viewer. Villages and their belive in curse and ghosts and the use of puppets to entertain the town.
The score used is indeed creepy and the way iy was shot and edited is way above mediocre. Even clocking in well over 90 minutes it never bored me.
The last 30 minutes the real horror comes in and yes, there's a bit of gore here and there. Not bad after all.
Gore 1/5 Nudity 0,5/5 Effects 2/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5
So finally I was able to watch it and was it gory? Nope, not as I expected as people were telliing but still it surely is worth seeing. Becaue we aren't used to se a flick from that region it is a world that opens up for the viewer. Villages and their belive in curse and ghosts and the use of puppets to entertain the town.
The score used is indeed creepy and the way iy was shot and edited is way above mediocre. Even clocking in well over 90 minutes it never bored me.
The last 30 minutes the real horror comes in and yes, there's a bit of gore here and there. Not bad after all.
Gore 1/5 Nudity 0,5/5 Effects 2/5 Story 3/5 Comedy 0/5
Could have been so much better
yajnaramdonee27 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What I like about the movie:
The movie doesn't use jump scares like so many other horror movies.
For example there's a scene when the women are exploring the house and Maya finds pictures of her parents and you see what seems like a ghost walking closer to her. In a typical horror movie, you'd see 'the ghost' (which was actually just her friend ) scare her and we would all jump with her and be relieved when we'd realize that it's just Dini. I like how the tension slowly builds up and you're left wondering when the ghosts are going to show up and scare us, but fortunately, the ghosts aren't overused in this movies.
I enjoyed the theme of this movie which was puppetry. The movie successfully showed us everything we needed to know without using a lot of dialogue (although it could have been greatly improved)
What I don't really like about the movie:
Like so many other critics, I would also say that the flashbacks were way too long (and somewhat confusing?). The movie was wonderfully built but the part of of finding the bones and burrying the skin felt way too easy. Also, there was the character of a man (boy?) who was left alive even though he was born without skin that I felt could have been further developed. We would actually have appreciated to know more about his life/purpose in the village. I feel like it would have been better if he had actually rescued Maya and shown the villagers how he had healed and that there was no need to kill her.
I didn't really get the part where the chief killed himself though? I understand that his mother killed herself in grief and I wish they had a conversation (about how the mother did all that for her son) although that might have 'interfered' in a way with the theme of the movie.
On a side note, I have several questions about the movie: Why do the villagers keep having babies if they know it'll be cursed and why do they stay there? ( it would have been amazing if somehow the movie showed us that there would be other consequences if they didn't have the children) Why doesn't Dani say anything when they tied her up? She could have confessed that her name wasn't actually Rahaya (and they could still have killed her because they didn't believe her) We never really learned what was written on the piece of paper (or skin)? All we know was that it was used to protect Maya (the lecturer on the bus could have explained more about that) And how does the man who tried to kill Maya in the opening scene know about that? We know he went to the city to find a cure but how did he find her? A backstory would be nice here (as many others I believe that the director could have stretched the movie a little and make it adored by ppl worldwide)
P.s I'm no expert; just my opinion on the movie
On a side note, I have several questions about the movie: Why do the villagers keep having babies if they know it'll be cursed and why do they stay there? ( it would have been amazing if somehow the movie showed us that there would be other consequences if they didn't have the children) Why doesn't Dani say anything when they tied her up? She could have confessed that her name wasn't actually Rahaya (and they could still have killed her because they didn't believe her) We never really learned what was written on the piece of paper (or skin)? All we know was that it was used to protect Maya (the lecturer on the bus could have explained more about that) And how does the man who tried to kill Maya in the opening scene know about that? We know he went to the city to find a cure but how did he find her? A backstory would be nice here (as many others I believe that the director could have stretched the movie a little and make it adored by ppl worldwide)
P.s I'm no expert; just my opinion on the movie
Surprisingly Very Bad
BKunaefi22 October 2019
Perempuan Tanah Jahanam or simply called Impetigore, is the latest movie from Joko Anwar, the so-called Indonesia's most prestigious director working today, with it being marketed as his most ambitious work yet with 10 years in the making and working with South Korean production company CJ Entertainment, the studio that brought you The Wailing - but nowhere near as good -, and yet it's probably the most clichéd, badly written movie, with some obnoxious horrors, and what's worse is that I have zero empathy for any of the characters.
Well to start, I would like to give props to the technical team for making this movie no less boring than it already is, despite the cinematography having some weird, unstructured panning and the editing having some flashy, annoying cuts.
From the opening sequence you can already see the badly written dialogue, where every line delivery felt forced and unnatural, and from there you can feel t h e c r i n g e, that I had to endure for the rest of the movie.
And where do I begin on the jumpscares, it is - dare I say - the most boring, lazy, and unnecessary part of the movie, it pretty much borrows and lazily copies from other bad horror movies. Basically the intense and scary scenes were so bad. Not being hyperbole but I laugh every time they try so hard to be creepy and disturbing, but failed miserably.
And don't even begin on the storytelling part, it's almost as bad and painful as to watch some weather reporter on some bad TV news channel explaining the movie for you.
Most of the characters' decisions were stupid that I couldn't understand and empathy at all, plus the acting felt very Indonesians, and as usual, the extras' acting were as bad as ever.
The story felt mediocre and unoriginal that doesn't really stand out, nor does it left an impression on me, as I said before, lazy writing in the script.
Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is a movie that doesn't respect its audience, and it's embarrassing to see that most of people compare this movie to Ari Aster's movies (Hereditary, Midsommar).
Blatantly. Embarassing.
Well to start, I would like to give props to the technical team for making this movie no less boring than it already is, despite the cinematography having some weird, unstructured panning and the editing having some flashy, annoying cuts.
From the opening sequence you can already see the badly written dialogue, where every line delivery felt forced and unnatural, and from there you can feel t h e c r i n g e, that I had to endure for the rest of the movie.
And where do I begin on the jumpscares, it is - dare I say - the most boring, lazy, and unnecessary part of the movie, it pretty much borrows and lazily copies from other bad horror movies. Basically the intense and scary scenes were so bad. Not being hyperbole but I laugh every time they try so hard to be creepy and disturbing, but failed miserably.
And don't even begin on the storytelling part, it's almost as bad and painful as to watch some weather reporter on some bad TV news channel explaining the movie for you.
Most of the characters' decisions were stupid that I couldn't understand and empathy at all, plus the acting felt very Indonesians, and as usual, the extras' acting were as bad as ever.
The story felt mediocre and unoriginal that doesn't really stand out, nor does it left an impression on me, as I said before, lazy writing in the script.
Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is a movie that doesn't respect its audience, and it's embarrassing to see that most of people compare this movie to Ari Aster's movies (Hereditary, Midsommar).
Blatantly. Embarassing.
Creepy experience
wwwranga31 July 2020
Horrific and disturbing but also entertaining
Saanwithhisstupidthoughts20 May 2021
Impetigore (it's English title is a well written,well shot,acted and directed supernatural folklore horror drama
The movie from it's very much appreciable and tension creating opening sequence itself is so engaging even though even if turn into a slowburn later but without loosing my focus or interest
The plot is well written but ofc will lead to whoever watching confused and with one or two questions.
The acting,direction, cinematography,screenplay everything went hand in hand and thats why this is one of the best Indonesian...nah one of the best horror movies made.
This is my second Joko Anwar movie and also my second Indonesian movie if I remember correctly and I loved impetigore much more than his Satan's slave 2017
The acting is strong and on point and Tara basro as Maya is very aptly casted and does an excellent job But my fav from this movie is Marissa Anita as Dini The supporting cast's performances are also appreciable.
Anyway just wanna say that Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is a well crafted folklore horror that definitely screams out.....MUST WATCH!!!!!
The movie from it's very much appreciable and tension creating opening sequence itself is so engaging even though even if turn into a slowburn later but without loosing my focus or interest
The plot is well written but ofc will lead to whoever watching confused and with one or two questions.
The acting,direction, cinematography,screenplay everything went hand in hand and thats why this is one of the best Indonesian...nah one of the best horror movies made.
This is my second Joko Anwar movie and also my second Indonesian movie if I remember correctly and I loved impetigore much more than his Satan's slave 2017
The acting is strong and on point and Tara basro as Maya is very aptly casted and does an excellent job But my fav from this movie is Marissa Anita as Dini The supporting cast's performances are also appreciable.
Anyway just wanna say that Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is a well crafted folklore horror that definitely screams out.....MUST WATCH!!!!!
Very atmospheric!
borgolarici24 October 2020
I loved the atmosphere of the movie: the crumbling mansion, the foggy jungles and the overall creepy vibe.
The friendship between the two female leads is extremely well portrayed, it's very refreshing and realistic.
The plot is a bit convoluted in some places and the ending isn't that great but overall I really enjoyed the movie.
A creepy, disturbing rural road trip (Indonesia-style) goes horribly wrong.
repojack9 October 2020
Impetigore is captivating from the get-go. It starts with young Maya toiling away with her best friend Dini while working the night shift at a toll both. In a very creepy and gripping scene, she gets stalked and attacked by a random driver. This leads her to seek out a family house and rural village, taking a very authentic jaunt through local country scenes that are so exotic and realistic to South East Asia (I've been lucky enough to visit many countries in the region) it felt like I was there again.
There is a huge tonal shift halfway through that could be jarring for some viewers, from chatty friends on a road trip to insanely gory and disturbing horror. There is a huge exposition dump at one point towards the end interrupted the narrative flow.
But those are nitpicking points to a thoroughly entertaining romp through the Indonesian hinterlands.
There is a huge tonal shift halfway through that could be jarring for some viewers, from chatty friends on a road trip to insanely gory and disturbing horror. There is a huge exposition dump at one point towards the end interrupted the narrative flow.
But those are nitpicking points to a thoroughly entertaining romp through the Indonesian hinterlands.
SUPERB
bayuvevo-6052815 September 2020
Shudder Film
gab-675995 July 2022
I love watching all Shudder film's, the good and the bad. Now as far as this movie goes it was genuinely scary. A slow burn that did feel a bit too long at times. But the story and the lead are what set this one apart from other movies. The only really annoying thing about this movie was the subtitles, they went WAY too fast and I kept stopping them just to read that much! I am not sure why they think everyone could read that fast. Also with that much content in one subtitle it makes it almost impossible to finish. Although the story was good it was also confusing, and at times they would show a photo or say a last name I was supposed to remember, and I was like "Who? What is that?". Normally a good story line should not be so hard to follow. I do recommend if you like scary foreign films with all caption. If you do not like read, this will not be your cup of tea.
Awful
WhiteArrays23 October 2019
This movie is so hype in Indonesia, the origin of the maker and cast. Before watching it, I expect it will be really scary like "Pengabdi Setan", which also directed by the same person. Nope! Way awful, and not scary at all. Then I realize why: the story and the script and everything in it. "Pengabdi Setan" was great, because it was a remakw from the previous one (around 1981, if I'm not mistaken). So, it had the template from an already great storyline scary movie. And this one? The writer also the director, which seriously I don't understand why everyone so overhyped with this overrated movie. Gundala (also by the same director) also not that great. I mean, come on! Everyone said he's a living legend in directing. But for me? Awful. Tara and Marissa acting great though. But as a whole movie, means nothing. Weak storyline. Weak DOP. Weak directing. Weak in everything.
A must watch for horror movie fans! Intensely creepy.
ryolusky1323 October 2019
I always enjoy watching horror movie with a good story telling. Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is Joko Anwar's masterpiece, better than Pengabdi Setan. Scoring is really unique and somehow will keep you feel uncomfortable and tense all the time, added with constant creepiness of the setting and believable acts. Not so much scary jump moments, but believe me, this kind of horror doesn't really need it.
Bravo Joko Anwar!
Bravo Joko Anwar!
It's good, but..
reyhanvivaldi22 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The opening scene is great, Joko and team chose a fantastic location to shoot. Fantastic storyline and cinematography, we as the audience could feel what the actress feels in the movie. Impetigore is not a full of "ghost" horror movie, it's kinda drama, but in horror theme and Joko has already claimed that. It has no jumpscares. The actors and actress they chose are truly incredible, including the villagers. Joko really pressed the actors to act the same way as if they're professional. PTJ (impetigore) is 10% ghost, and 90% thrilling. The atmosphere is really good. But, PTJ also has a lot of bad things, actually they're not big problem, but it's numerous. First of all, the opening scene, when Maya was terorrized by a man from Harjosari, Dini said that the security would come. But instead security, the police came, wth? There are numerous mistakes in the movie that I can not mention one by one, most of them are nonsense thing. It's good but not bad.
Not thrilling or scary
kim-veltkamp29 January 2021
A well-made Indonesian horror flick that relies mostly on atmosphere! [+65%]
arungeorge132 August 2020
Impetigore proves to be a worthy follow-up to Satan's Slaves, Joko Anwar's 2017 Indonesian horror surprise. The premise, of a prodigal daughter returning to a cursed, secluded village to claim her supposed inheritance, has horror and mystery written all over it. With a stunning opening scene set at an urban toll-booth, Anwar immediately demands our attention and draws us into the story of Maya, Dini, and their financial struggles. What Anwar is good at is writing (and crafting) scenes that build the atmosphere. It's crazy how a scene depicting an overnight bus ride through rural Indonesia gives you subtle, uneasy hints of the horrors to follow.
The village is as creepy as it is beautiful - the little details add to the mood. The little tombstones in a cemetery, the mud roads, the village's interest in puppet shows, an old dilapidated mansion that warrants a horror movie of its own, and the seemingly hostile village folk - the cinematography by Ical Tanjung gloriously captures all of this. Anwar builds the first couple of acts up with sufficient atmosphere, a curious lead duo (in Maya and Dini), a decent amount of gore, and a brooding score.
In the latter half, some predominantly Indonesian elements (such as the Javanese shadow-puppetry art form) and an expository betrayal plot (shown in lengthy flashback vignettes) take center stage. The narrative loses some of its initial steam in this particular stretch and clubbed with a number of hide-and-seek sequences in the present, Impetigore starts to rely more on horror genre tropes. Anwar, however, ends the film with a chilling sequence that'll linger in your mind for a little while. This had been the case with Satan's Slaves too. And I'm excited to see how he tackles other horror sub-genres.
The village is as creepy as it is beautiful - the little details add to the mood. The little tombstones in a cemetery, the mud roads, the village's interest in puppet shows, an old dilapidated mansion that warrants a horror movie of its own, and the seemingly hostile village folk - the cinematography by Ical Tanjung gloriously captures all of this. Anwar builds the first couple of acts up with sufficient atmosphere, a curious lead duo (in Maya and Dini), a decent amount of gore, and a brooding score.
In the latter half, some predominantly Indonesian elements (such as the Javanese shadow-puppetry art form) and an expository betrayal plot (shown in lengthy flashback vignettes) take center stage. The narrative loses some of its initial steam in this particular stretch and clubbed with a number of hide-and-seek sequences in the present, Impetigore starts to rely more on horror genre tropes. Anwar, however, ends the film with a chilling sequence that'll linger in your mind for a little while. This had been the case with Satan's Slaves too. And I'm excited to see how he tackles other horror sub-genres.
See also
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