Racun Sangga: Santet Pemisah Rumah Tangga

Surprisingly good.

I feel like I have to start this review with that simple sentence. First, it's surprising because it comes from Rizal Mantovani. Second, it's also surprising because the leads are relatively new actors. And yet, they manage to convey the depth of their characters, whether through tone or subtle micro-expressions.

I think a big part of what makes the film feel real is the script, written by the same person who made the original thread. Yes, this is another Indonesian horror movie adapted from a viral X thread. This time, we're taken to a story set in Kalimantan. Honestly, I'm glad to see a horror movie exploring supernatural stories outside of Java. Usually, the acting can feel stiff, and regional accents are often neglected, but not in this one. The production and pacing felt careful and deliberate, and the result is quite satisfying. While there are occasional accent slip-ups, they don't significantly affect the mood the actors manage to build.

Another thing done with care is the tension-building. It's paced well and lands its jump scares when necessary. Among all the gore-filled Indonesian horror movies these days, Racun Sangga stands out by avoiding mindless brutality. It's a solid choice for those who aren't fans of excessive gore (like me). This movie can't really be called slow-paced. In fact, the story moves steadily with no unnecessary filler. The set design, cinematography, score, and editing-all of it was enjoyable. I have to say, this might be one of the very few solid movies from Rizal Mantovani. And once again, kudos to the lead actors! You delivered!

Story is good. But unfortunately the cast not so good. Lead actor n actress can't acting despite good script. Especially the actress. Does she has to be that expressionless. This movie can be good if only the cast someone more in experience.

The parents acting were good. But all the friends n all... i cant even say anything. Why cast so many stiff actors n actress?

I watch this movie because a youtuber named Nessie post a story about racun sangga n that's kinda make me curious.

N because i watched it on netflix But really it is such a waste because i kinda like the story plot but i dont like the cast.

"Poison Sangga: The Homewrecker's Curse" attempts to intertwine supernatural horror with domestic drama, focusing on a newlywed couple, Maya and Andi, whose lives spiral into chaos following a series of unexplained events.

The film's premise is intriguing, drawing from local folklore about a mystical poison intended to disrupt households. However, the narrative falters by attributing the deterioration of Andi and Maya's relationship solely to this curse. Andi's rapid descent into illness and his subsequent behavior are portrayed as entirely the result of supernatural forces, leaving little room for character accountability or exploration of underlying issues within the marriage.

While the film does incorporate elements of traditional rituals and cultural practices, which add a unique flavor to the horror genre, the overreliance on the curse as a plot device undermines the potential for a more nuanced story. The characters' lack of depth and the absence of personal growth or reflection make it challenging to fully engage with their plight.

In essence, "Poison Sangga: The Homewrecker's Curse" offers a surface-level exploration of its themes, missing the opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of marital relationships and personal responsibility. The film's focus on external supernatural elements, at the expense of character development, results in a viewing experience that feels both unbalanced and unfulfilling.

Mystical events always occur in our real lives, even though they may not be visible to the naked eye or to the average person. However, it is important to know that we must strengthen our hearts and always behave well to avoid falling into things that go against the teachings of the religion we follow. Racun Sangga wraps a mystical story in a different way. This time, it's brought from the island of Kalimantan, specifically from Banjar, which is rarely featured on the big screen. We are taken into a story of a sacred marriage that ends with a supernatural force seeking to separate the couple. As time passes, strange events and terrifying occurrences unfold, starting with a mysterious illness that suddenly strikes, in addition to the husband (Andi) unexpectedly becoming possessed and experiencing disturbing dreams. Despite Andi being a devout religious man who avoids anything negative, his religious devotion could not protect him from the dark force that was consuming his body and soul. Various attempts by one person after another, all with high knowledge, to act as healers for Andi's condition, proved unsuccessful. Finally, his wife (Maya) seeks the help of the last person capable of confronting the demon and the dark power that resides within Andi.

Two scenes stand out as the 'golden scenes' of the film. The first is when the baharagu ritual is performed. Artistically, the film doesn't just offer the novelty of audio through the Banjar language, but also through its music, blending with the score by Aghi, which creates a dynamic and grand spectrum.

The second 'golden scene' is in the final act when Maya takes Andi to Ustaz Idris' house to perform a ritual to expel the spirit that has possessed Andi's body due to racun sangga (the poison). This sequence becomes the epic finale that gives the film a sweet closure.

Instead of relying entirely on the supernatural, Racun Sangga also incorporates medical elements to investigate Andi's mysterious illness. Maya's character, with her Arab heritage, doesn't blindly believe in magic. The characters in this film are portrayed with a grounded approach, showing how humans who don't believe in the supernatural will eventually try every possible method to find a cure.

Racun Sangga: Santet Pemisah Rumah Tangga becomes a horror film that evokes a chilling feeling with its atmospheric buildup and prominent musical scoring. It also brings something new to our cinema with the cultural backdrop of Banjar and Kalimantan.

I gave this film a 6 because many scenes felt unoriginal, almost like a copy of horror films from other countries, such as Paranormal Activity. The most obvious flaw, however, is the main actors and actresses, who clearly cannot act. It's baffling how they were cast. In Indonesia, it seems being good-looking and of mixed heritage is enough to land a lead role, regardless of acting ability. Ironically, the supporting actors with less scenes performed far better, making the lead look even worse by comparison. Watching the main actor's performance was honestly headache-inducing.

The film as a whole is still a step up from many Indonesian horror films, which are often low-quality and rely heavily on clichés. One odd aspect is the lighting-it's always dark at night, to the point of being unrealistic. For example, a group dinner scene is set almost entirely in the dark. Who eats in complete darkness? LOL.

On a positive note, the film doesn't rely on cheap jump scares, which are the usual crutch for Indonesian horror. Instead, it builds tension through more thoughtful means, which is refreshing.

If the film had featured more original scenes and better-quality acting, especially from the lead, it could have deserved a much higher rating and a place among must-watch Indonesian horror films. Unfortunately, it falls short.