Di Ambang Kematian

Of course I had never heard about this 2023 Indonesian horror movie titled "Di Ambang Kematian" (aka "The Verge of Death") prior to sitting down and watching it here in 2024. I happened to stumble upon it by random chance, and with it being an Asian horror movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I took the time to sit down and rectify that mistake.

I didn't have any expectations to the movie at all, as I didn't have a clue what I was in for, aside from it being an Indonesian horror movie.

However, I have to say that writers Erwanto Alphadullah and JeroPoint delivered an incredibly bland and generic script. "Di Ambang Kematian" delivered nothing that haven't been done or seen in other movies prior to it, and often with a more alluring grip on the audience. The narrative in "Di Ambang Kematian" was so insanely monotonous and slow paced that it was quite a struggle to sit through the 97 minutes that the movie ran for. Throughout the course of the movie there just simply wasn't enough of neither storytelling or interesting horror to keep me entertained.

The acting performances in "Di Ambang Kematian" were good, despite the fact that the actors and actresses virtually had nothing worthwhile or interesting to work with. I was only familiar with actor T. Rifnu Wikana.

Visually then I will say that the effects in the movie were actually fair. Nothing outstanding or impressive, but in all honesty, then the special effects were adequate.

If you enjoy Asian horror then you can skip on watching "Di Ambang Kematian", because it simply was too bland and mundane.

My rating of "Di Ambang Kematian", from director Azhar Kinoi Lubis, lands on a three out of ten stars.

Di Ambang Kematian is an Indonesian horror film that attempts to deliver a chilling story wrapped in mystical atmosphere and emotional tension. From the very beginning, the audience is drawn into a haunting mood, enhanced by dim lighting and unsettling cinematography. The sound design whispers, sudden bangs, and eerie silences effectively builds tension throughout the movie.

The performances are convincing, with the cast portraying fear, despair, and curiosity in a way that feels authentic, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles. However, some narrative elements feel a bit rushed, as if the film is eager to jump into climactic moments without fully exploring the emotional buildup.

Still, the movie deserves recognition for embracing Indonesian cultural and spiritual elements, which give it a distinctive identity compared to mainstream horror. I rate it 7/10 because, while the eerie atmosphere is well executed, the story could have been developed more carefully to achieve a deeper emotional impact.