Pengabdi Setan

With many costume changes for Rini, must have had a big wardrobe or was prone to spillage. That said, a visit to Indonesia pays dividends in a genuinely jumpy Horror film with great special effects that pinches plots a plenty: only to be expected living next to a cemetery, but just about gets away with it.

Indonesian cult filmmaker Joko Anwar's fourth directorial feature is a myriad of horror elements delightfully wrapped up in a neat little package, sure to please the occult horror audience. Rini (Tara Basro) is a young woman living with her father and terminally ill mother in the removed suburbs of Jakarta, along with her three younger brothers. Due to Mother's (Ayu Laksmi) lengthy treatment, the family has fallen on hard times, with much of the burden falling on Rini and Father (Bront Palarae). Upon the death of Mother, strange occurrences and apparitions appear in the family home, prompting a film noir style investigation into the family's history with the occult.

If this sounds like Ari Aster's recent effort "Hereditary" (2018), that's because it really is a similar movie. It also blends in a healthy dose of atmospheric suspense, brought to life by cinematographer Ical Tanjung, who expertly knows his way around lighting. To that end, "Satan's Slaves" will be very much enjoyed by those who liked "The Conjuring" (2013) and "The Woman in Black" (2011); the theme of a gothic-style maternal figure coming back to haunt the living is the film's principle set-up, and much of the film's true terror comes from the grotesque depiction of Mother's spirit. In addition, mysterious cult-like home invaders made me think of "You're Next" (2011) and -- far more obviously -- "The Void" (2016).

Despite the high production value of "Satan's Slaves," Anwar's direction falls short, never quite hitting the mark of enough originality to warrant close attention. The premise of the film is by no standards original, and much has been borrowed without giving the audience something fresh. I found the film to often trip up over its own influences and drag along often, with many scenes of dialogue losing the suspense momentum that the rest of the film steadily builds up. In addition, despite the overall strong acting from the entire cast, scenes where Rini and her brothers expressed fear seemed forced and awkward. Palarae's excellent performance as the protective father never disappoints, and is perhaps the strongest actor in the film.

While the film's North American distribution status remains to be seen, if it does make its way stateside, I'd recommend seeking it out for fans of the type of horror shown in the films mentioned in this review. It's far from an original effort, but it's made well, and there are a few scenes that will certainly cause your head to turn away from the screen.

*Screened at Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival 2018.

Usually if characters "act" in a certain way (meaning not really smart or favourable), I tend to dislike the movie and won't have really a good time watching it. This movie walks that fine line and also walks another very difficult line masterfully: combining horror and comedy (or light moments to be more specific).

There are certain moments, that really made my skin crawl. The ideas they had at some parts were really good. It may have the trappings of most horror movies, but you can either hold this against the movie or just roll with it. I can really recommend to do the latter, even if you are a bit of a cynic. The mood the cinematography captures is riveting ...

This is simply one of the best horror movies i ever seen. The colours, the story, the atmosphere, and the cinematography just engaging. This film is not about a jumpscare scene but more than that. Every chilling scene build with a gorgeous tone of colours. This is classic and do yourself a favour to watch it. Worth every penny and i think i should watch it again for the 2nd time. For Joko Anwar you have done a great job! Love it!

Actually this is a remake from a movie with the same title, "Pengabdi Setan", back in 1980. As the director, Joko Anwar successfully make this movie as a great breakthrough for Indonesia's horror movie industry. Great cinematography, great story line, great plot twist and Joko Anwar success in bringing back the 1980's atmospheres to the movie (because the movie setting is Indonesia at 1980's). Joko Anwar is not just rely on jump scares, but he's also managed this movie as creepy as hell.

The movie was begin with the mother who gets mysterious illness, so the entire family, the father, Rini, Toni, Bondi, and Ian was struggle and need more money for the medicine. After the mother's dead, their father decided to go to the city for a job to fulfill their needs and leaving the kids in the house. That's when the terror begins.

Rini, Toni, Bondi and Ian can be called as the main characters of this movie. But Rini, can be the leader, because she's the oldest daughter of the family and played a big parts of the movie.

The story is all about how the family stick together and tells their mother who haunted them for not to take one of their siblings, or not to take all of them.

Overall, this is the best Indonesia's horror movie of all time. And it can be one of "must watch" movie list for horror movie lovers. It will never disappoint you!