Mata Batin

This movie feels like it tries to be like other popular horror movies, but it's not that bad. The story seems similar to The Eye, with the two main characters seeing ghosts that are haunting them. I do think the idea of the 3rd eye is interesting , causing someone to see the supernatural around them. The creepiness factor is a mixed bag with the movie have a pretty good atmosphere and tension to it during either the hospital or the climax of the movie. Although it does sometimes use cheap jump scares in current areas. The movie barrows elements from other movies like Insidious, The Exorcist, Poltergeist, and even The Sixth Sense due to one of the twists of a supporting character. Also, the movie brings a couple of reveals that don't really impact the movie that much. The climax itself is decent, but it feels similar to the insidious climax. And the ending left as a cliffhanger.

The 3rd Eye blatantly rips off The Sixth Sense, as well as Poltergeist, The Exorcist and more than a handful of Asian horrors. Despite being wholly unoriginal, I had a reasonably fun time with this Indonesian ghost movie: it's got some effectively atmospheric scenes, a smattering of gore, and a sense of fun. Lead Jessica Mila is also very easy on the eye, which doesn't hurt.

Mila plays Alia, whose younger sister Abel (Bianca Hello) has been plagued by nightmarish visions ever since she was a child. When the sisters' parents are killed in a car accident, they return to the family home -- the place where Abel's terrifying visions began. Abel eventually admits to Alia that she is able to see the dead, and has been visiting psychic Bu Windu (Citra Prima) to help her understand her special 'gift'. Alia agrees to have her own 'third eye' opened so that she too can see the ghosts that haunt her sister...

Visions of a brutal murder, possession by evil spirits, an Indonesian exorcism complete with levitating bed (but no vomiting), and a trip to the 'other side' via astral projection are a few of the supernatural occurrences the siblings have to contend with, the girls aided by Bu Windu and Alia's boyfriend Davin (Denny Sumargo). We also get a couple of lopped-off limbs, death by garden shears, and a Shyamalan-style twist that is so derivitive one has to admire writer/director Rocky Soraya's chutzpah.

6/10. I might have been a touch more generous with my rating if it hadn't been for some dreadful visual effects.

Mata Batin is an Indonesian horror film that explores the supernatural with elements of suspense and mystery. The movie presents an intriguing premise about the ability to see invisible beings, supported by eerie cinematography that enhances the chilling atmosphere. Some horror scenes successfully deliver surprises with tense moments. However, the storyline at times feels cliché, relying too much on jump scares, which reduces the natural buildup of fear. The performances are decent, but the character development could have been deeper to evoke stronger emotions. Overall, it is an entertaining watch for horror fans, though not particularly groundbreaking.

Don't listen to the other guy above giving it a 1 star. The acting is fine. CGI is bad at some scenes though. Many jump scares, and it's good. Good plot. Too bad if haunted houses are "old and boring" for you. Overall it's an OK movie, not bad by any means.

Due to Netflix's rather poor selection of Horror films, I've found myself lately trying many of its foreign Horror titles, namely a few Indonesian films. The 3rd Eye is in a good place in the middle, as it's average and mediocre, nothing more and nothing less. It's far from being a great film that would leave a lasting impression, but it's just as far from being the terrible mess that certain reviews here have claimed it to be. Entertaining enough for a one time watch as long as you don't expect to be swept off your feet.

The plot and pace are good enough, as is the acting. Unlike most reviews here I actually liked the CGI used to show the ghosts, which are actually quite terrifying. The jump scares are numerous and often, and while the very use and utilization of them qualifies as a cheap cheat in my book - they do serve their goal of scaring you straight. The most negative feature by far, in my opinion, is the terrible attempt at creating plot twists that are not merely unoriginal - but bluntly stolen from all too familiar Hollywood films. Such an attempt was unnecessary at best and damaging to the overall viewing experience at worse. I honestly don't understand why the writers would create such a story, all of which is meant to try and make the plot twists more "twisty'. Too bad, as the film could have been more than average and even good had it not been for such amateurish writing (this is also what has made me rate it 4 instead of 5, as no plot twists or even bad original plot twists are better than stolen ones).

All in all? The film is enough. Scary enough, interesting enough and entertaining enough. I wouldn't recommend watching it as I wouldn't recommend avoiding it. I would, however, say that if you find nothing better on Netflix and want to enjoy a nice Horror film - The 3rd Eye could do the trick. As long as you initially lower your expectations and realize that you aren't about to see anything remotely innovative or exciting.