"Before Night Falls" (2022), directed by Helfi C. H. Kardit, is an Indonesian horror film that delves into the unsettling realm where psychological distress blurs with supernatural phenomena. Unlike the acclaimed 2000 Julian Schnabel film of the same name (which is a biographical drama about Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas), the 2022 Indonesian "Before Night Falls" is a found-footage horror that explores the chilling intersection of mental illness and ancient folklore.
The film's premise centers on three psychology students - Talia (Annette Edoarda), Nina (Novia Bachmid), and Erlan (Jeffry Reksa) - who embark on a seemingly straightforward research project. Their goal is to study the various phases of mental change in a patient who is reportedly suffering from a severe mental illness, particularly one who has been subjected to pasung, a traditional form of restraint often used for people with mental disabilities in some parts of Indonesia. This initial setup immediately establishes a grounded, academic approach to a sensitive subject, which makes the subsequent descent into horror all the more disquieting.
As the students delve deeper into their research, particularly as they focus on Nina, the patient in question, they begin to encounter unsettling occurrences that defy rational explanation. The film cleverly uses the "found footage" format to heighten the sense of realism and immediacy. The shaky cameras, the raw, unpolished visuals, and the impression that the audience is witnessing events as they unfold all contribute to a feeling of being directly involved in the students' terrifying discoveries. This stylistic choice is particularly effective in horror, as it creates a voyeuristic atmosphere that can be deeply unsettling.
What starts as a case study of psychological breakdown gradually morphs into something far more sinister. The film posits that Nina's condition isn't merely a mental illness but is intertwined with mystical elements, suggesting a spiritual possession or a curse that has taken root within her. This fusion of psychological horror and supernatural dread is where "Before Night Falls" finds its unique footing. It plays on the fear of the unknown, the terror of a mind unraveling, and the chilling possibility that forces beyond our comprehension are at play.
The performances by the young cast, especially Novia Bachmid as Nina, are crucial to the film's impact. Bachmid's portrayal of Nina's deteriorating mental state and the moments of supernatural influence must be convincing for the horror to land. The film relies heavily on her ability to convey both vulnerability and a terrifying shift in demeanor. The reactions of her fellow students, ranging from skepticism to sheer terror, also help to anchor the audience's experience.
However, like many found-footage films, "Before Night Falls" can sometimes fall into familiar tropes. The slow build-up, the gradual escalation of strange events, and the eventual chaotic climax are hallmarks of the subgenre. While effective in creating suspense, these elements might feel predictable to seasoned horror fans. The explanations for the mystical occurrences, while intriguing, could also be seen as leaning too heavily on traditional folklore without adding much fresh perspective.
Despite these minor criticisms, "Before Night Falls" (2022) offers a compelling and genuinely disturbing horror experience. It successfully taps into cultural anxieties surrounding mental health and traditional beliefs, delivering a chilling narrative that questions the boundaries of what is real and what is supernatural. It's a film that stays with you, not just for its jump scares, but for its unsettling exploration of the human psyche pushed to its limits and the ancient terrors that might lie dormant, waiting for the night to fall.
