Kulit Wayang

Kulit Wayang follows the typical path of most local horror films, with special effects that, unfortunately, fall short of expectations. The CGI feels outdated and lacks the finesse needed to truly immerse viewers in a chilling atmosphere. From the very beginning, the plot feels predictable - you can easily pinpoint who the antagonist is, which somewhat dampens the suspense.

However, a surprising standout performance comes from Fattah Amin. He delivers a role with more depth and emotion than expected, showing a side of his acting chops many might not have seen before. It's safe to say he carried the film in more ways than one.

Overall, while the film misses the mark on thrills and twists, it still deserves some credit for the effort, especially in casting and performance. Worth a watch if you're a fan of local horror - just keep your expectations in check.

The plot can be said to be the best aspect of this film.

Looking at the characters, however - overredundance!

Characters like Mak Ta, Pak Lee, and Pak Wana were already sufficient to make this film good, because many of the other characters existed without contributing anything meaningful to the storyline. As a result, the quality of the narrative is disappointing.

There are good shots, but they don't serve the tone or flow of the film meaningfully.

When it comes to the name Dain Said, my benchmark is Bunohan. For this film, it's just a name - this time, the film lacks maturity and doesn't allow the story to unfold naturally. Instead, it relies heavily on dialogue. The dialogue itself often feels awkward, and the charisma of the characters is hard to appreciate, even though the cast is solid.

The practical effects in the film are already good, but the addition of special effects makes the film look cheap.

The concept of "Angin" (Wind) in the film is a good one if explored in depth - it could serve as a philosophy for the narrative journey. But in this film, it merely serves as an opener, with no satisfying conclusion.

The film has potential, but this time, the name Dain Said is just a name.

From 4 stars, because of Dain Said name, for this one, down to 3.

Kulit Wayang is a cinematic gem that not only dives deep into the world of supernatural horror but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to one of Malaysia's most treasured and fading traditional arts - Wayang Kulit (shadow puppetry). At a time when modernization often sidelines our cultural heritage, this film boldly brings it back to the forefront, blending ancient storytelling with chilling suspense.

Fattah Amin as Pok Lee delivers, in my opinion, the best performance of his career. His dedication to the role is nothing short of remarkable from spending three months mastering the Kelantanese dialect to learning the intricate skills of a traditional dalang (puppet master) from local masters. This is not just acting; this is full immersion. His portrayal, especially in the final scenes where he channels his grief into a haunting puppet performance, is both raw and deeply moving. Beyond speechless. It's a rare moment in Malaysian cinema where you see such emotional depth carried through an art form as symbolic as Wayang Kulit.

Jenna Kamaratih, an Indonesian actress, who plays the young Dewi, also deserves special mention. Her transformation during the possession scenes is genuinely unsettling and shows a maturity in acting well beyond her years. She holds her own in a story filled with complex cultural and emotional layers.

Visually, the film is stunning. The cinematography masterfully captures the mystical atmosphere of rural east coast, combining eerie landscapes with almost painterly shots of traditional puppet performances. There's a certain elegance in how the film's visuals support its tone - part horror, part cultural homage.

If there's a minor drawback, it's that the horror elements may not reach the peak intensity that die-hard horror fans might expect. However, what it lacks in jump scares, it more than makes up for in psychological depth and cultural richness.

Verdict: 9/10.

Highly recommended. Kulit Wayang is a rare film that weaves together the mystical world of horror with the artistic soul of traditional culture. It's not only a compelling watch but also an educational experience for younger audiences who may not be familiar with the heritage of Wayang Kulit. A must-watch for anyone who appreciates stories with heart, history, and haunting beauty.

Done 3rd time watching this movie! Like this movie so much coz it's a mixture of horror, mysterious n art story, a rare story that brought viewers to understand our hidden gem Wayang Kulit and the dark side of tok dalang who would do certain extreme thing on order to be the most famous & the best among all tok dalangs. Also brought you to feel the heartbroken father Pok Lee becoz of the death of his beloved daughter n the tragedy after that. The cinematography was so amazing like looking into Hollywood n Thailand movies👍. You have to understand n concentrate on all the dialogues along that one hour something to understand the message, storyline n ending and definitely the ending was superb! This film is not a cliche one and congrats to such amazing actors involved especially Fattah Amin, Pekin Ibrahim, the kid Dewi & her mom! Bravo 👍👏👏👏🔥💥🌟. 10/10 ⭐

Dain Said returns with a visually captivating and emotionally intense fantasy-mystery-horror in Kulit Wayang - a film that dives deep into the psyche of grief, tradition, and the unseen world of spirits and shadows. Set against the hauntingly beautiful backdrop of Malaysia's East Coast, this is a story that stays with you long after the final frame.

Fattah Amin delivers the best performance of his career as Ramlee, a once-renowned tok dalang (shadow puppet master) broken by the death of his beloved daughter. His portrayal of a grieving father is raw, deeply human, and emotionally arresting. With minimal dialogue and intense internal struggle, Fattah commands the screen in every scene - a quiet, tortured presence caught between memory, loss, and something darker.

Opposite him, Jenna Kamaratih gives a solid and memorable performance as a young Indonesian girl infatuated with Wayang Kulit. Her character's wide-eyed fascination with the mystical art form becomes a conduit for the audience, pulling us deeper into the symbolic and supernatural layers of the narrative. She brings warmth, curiosity, and emotional intelligence to the role, providing a delicate counterbalance to Ramlee's haunting silence.

Pekin Ibrahim & Reynavenzka also contributes a strong, grounded performance that adds to the film's layered tension and mystery.

The film's visuals are rich and textured - drenched in folklore, shadows, and natural beauty - while the soundtrack elevates the emotional and spiritual weight of the story. Every frame feels intentional, drawing from traditional elements and reworking them into a powerful modern myth.

Kulit Wayang is not just a horror film - it's a meditation on loss, legacy, and the thin, flickering line between life and afterlife. With brilliant performances, especially from Fattah Amin and Jenna and a story that is both mysterious and meaningful, this is truly a must-watch Malaysian film.

Verdict: A cinematic gem that blends culture, emotion, and mysticism - Kulit Wayang is a bold, beautiful film led by a stunning performance from Fattah Amin and a captivating turn by Jenna Kamaratih.

9/10 - Highly recommended.