Qorin

I hadn't heard about this 2022 Indonesian horror movie titled "Qorin" before 2023, as I had the opportunity to sit down and watch it. I liked the movie's cover, and thus I picked it up. And with it being an Asian horror movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I managed to find the time to sit down and watch it.

However, writers Lele Laila and Ginanti Rona failed to put together a storyline for the movie that entertained me. The narrative was too monotonous and there weren't enough scary stuff in the movie to really keep the movie interesting. And it didn't help one bit that all the characters in the story were essentially just one and the same.

I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie. And whether or not the actresses in the movie performed well or not was rather difficult to distinguish, as all the female characters in the movie were essentially just cut from the same cloth; they all looked and acted the same way.

Director Ginanti Rona's 2022 movie was a disappointing movie experience, and not one I would recommend for fans of the Asian horror cinema. There are far better Indonesian horror movies readily available.

My rating of "Qorin" lands on a three out of ten stars.

I don't think this was nearly as bad as all the scathing reviews are making it out to be at all. There was a really interesting story here with solid spook factor that got a little muddied by maybe a bit too much going on.

The sequence of events throughout this story were a little bumpy. It generally felt disjointed and there wasn't much finesses when attempting to weave a smooth story with cohesive transitions. It was very much that kind of movie that confuses you to then explain itself later for that "ah ha" moment. I think some of the confusion could also be bits and pieces getting lost in translation.

Regardless of this I really did enjoy this movie for what it was, granted I am a bit biased towards Indonesian horror. They made it successfully creepy and atmospheric with an engaging story. I think it would have bennifited from a bit more focus, editing and a shorter run time but it was for sure a solid watch. 6.5 rounding to a 6. Would recommend.

This film deserves at least a 7-star rating. If you compare it to other Hollywood horror films with a 7-star rating, it should receive similar recognition. In this case these reviews and ratings can be misleading to be honest. So, if you come this far to make your decision, then my request is give it a try.

This film could be far better, but at the same time it does deliver a genuinely uncomfortable experience. The ending is not up to the mark. The first half is very good and thrilling.

I have seen movies based on Jinn activity, and as a Muslim, I know how terrifying these beings can be. Although no movie can fully capture the real horror of Jinn, these films are a commendable effort.

*Qorin* is an Indonesian horror film that tackles an ambitious and culturally rich narrative, yet ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and compelling experience. While the movie has intriguing elements and strong performances, it is hindered by a disjointed storyline and pacing issues that prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The film's premise, revolving around the concept of Qorins-Jinns that compel individuals to commit evil deeds-offers a unique and culturally specific take on horror. Set in a Java boarding school, the story follows an evil teacher who manipulates his students to summon their Qorins, seeking control and power over them. This setup provides a fertile ground for exploring themes of control, power, and resistance, particularly within the context of Indonesian culture and Islamic beliefs.

However, the execution falls short. The narrative is plagued by numerous story gaps and a lack of focus, making it difficult for the audience to stay engaged. The film starts strong but quickly loses momentum as it attempts to juggle too many plot threads without sufficient development. The transitions between scenes are often abrupt and confusing, contributing to a disjointed viewing experience. This is exacerbated by the slow pacing, which fails to build the necessary tension and suspense typical of effective horror.

The characters, while well-acted, are not given enough depth to make their struggles fully engaging. The evil teacher's motivations and backstory, including his hatred towards his father-in-law and his perverse behavior, are clear but not explored in a way that adds substantial weight to the narrative. The two lead actresses deliver strong performances, but their efforts to fight back and save their peers are undermined by the film's lack of narrative cohesion.

Despite these shortcomings, *Qorin* does have its moments. The atmospheric setting and cultural context provide a fresh backdrop for horror, and there are several genuinely creepy and suspenseful scenes. The concept of Qorins and the religious undertones offer a different perspective on the genre that is worth noting.

In conclusion, *Qorin* is a film with a lot of potential that ultimately falls short due to its fragmented storytelling and pacing issues. While it has interesting ideas and strong performances, these elements are not enough to overcome the disjointed narrative and lack of focus. It is a watchable film for those interested in Indonesian horror, but it may leave many viewers wanting more in terms of coherence and impact.

When it comes to assessing a hyper local horror movie, there are several factors that can make or break the overall experience for a viewer. While the cinematic elements of a film, such as color grading and set design, may be visually impressive, they alone cannot save a movie that falls short in other key areas. Unfortunately, this is the case with the horror movie in question.

Despite its stunning visual presentation, the film fails to deliver a compelling story that is truly terrifying. The script feels unprepared and lacks the necessary depth to draw the viewer in, leaving them disconnected from the characters and their experiences. As a result, the horror elements of the movie fall flat, failing to elicit any real fear or suspense. I am myself not feeling it at all.

Ultimately, this movie is a disappointing example of a horror film that fails to deliver on its promises, leaving viewers feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied. Waste my time.