Siksa Kubur

Many people said, this film are like Christopher Nolan of Indonesia. But, sadly, Not!! There's too much people praising this film. "It's just like western movie" they said. "It's not about jump scare" or "It's more psychological film."

The atmosphere are great. The cinematography are good. The acting are top notch. That's the only positive things from this film.

The first half of the film is about our brave women, Sita. She try to find the truth about "Siksa Kubur" or Grave Torture. There's so much ideology battle, especially about religion through the film. Quite enjoyed it, yes, this "psychologycal" thing are so great.

Sadly, after that, when, Sita goes to the grave, it's became down hill! The ghosts are laughable. Why? Because it's literally more like alien, like Venom. And the other ghost just crawling in the wall like spiderman.

And there's literally Zombies in here! Just beat it, man!! Those old man zombies are not menancing enough!!

Many people said, the most "scary" scene are the washing machine scene. But, sorry, it's a big NO. Nothing scary, that's scene just make my eyes roll, because, it's soo dumb. They're literally in super rich nursing home, why the patient washed their clothes alone?? Yes, it's a part of "big twist" but too dumb.

And Sita suddenly became weak minded. She's a brave women like Spider-Woman or Katnis Everdreen from the get go, but why do that to her at the end?? Ugh.

They're claimed this film would make people "believe" about grave torture and repent. But at the end, i just thought, "did i watched some superhero movie"??

Probably not the best Joko has produced as some have pointed out, but it's the most enjoyable to me so far. Pacing's good, not too fast, not too slow. The story's pretty understandable too, well at least 80% of it without the help of forum and discussion. Open to different interpretations? Yep, it's not Joko if it's not. Funny thing is, the movie doesn't feel like religious to me (from one particular religion) if you think it through, as it has a universal message of humans in the face of death as they lie dying rather than it is about people finding out one particular religion is right, or in other words: More psychological than religious, more human than supernatural, a spiritual journey and reflection about the end we're all gonna face one day, even for those who don't believe.

8.5/10.

Netflix often drops international horror films with little promotion, so I'm here to keep you in the loop. If you're into chilling stories, I highly recommend "Grave Torture", the latest from Indonesian horror master Joko Anwar (known for Satan's Slaves and Impetigore). It's streaming now, and trust me, it's worth watching!

"Grave Torture" grabs you right from the fantastic opening scene and never loosens its grip. The film masterfully builds tension, keeping you on edge with every twist and turn. Joko Anwar creates an atmosphere so thick with dread that it's impossible to look away, no matter how unsettling things get.

If you're after something truly creepy, this is it. The slow-burn suspense and chilling moments will stick with you long after it's over. "Grave Torture" is a must-watch for horror fans looking for a film that delivers on every front.

Grave Torture was a harrowing experience for me, standing out among the many horror films I've seen. As a fan of the genre, I was drawn into the film's immersive atmosphere, which I credit largely to Joko Anwar's impressive direction. While the storyline itself isn't particularly groundbreaking-reminiscent of other films that challenge common beliefs-the execution is what sets this movie apart.

The pacing and tension were masterfully handled, keeping me engaged even when familiar plot points emerged. What truly surprised me was the ending, which took an unexpected turn, adding depth to the otherwise conventional narrative.

Faradina Mufti's portrayal of Sita was both compelling and convincing, capturing the emotional weight of her character. Equally noteworthy is Widuri Puteri, who played 'Little Sita,' laying the groundwork for the character's development.

Overall, while the story may not be entirely unique, Grave Torture excels in its execution and atmosphere, offering a chilling experience that horror fans are sure to appreciate.

Horror movies. Often a genre synonymous with jump scares, gore, and mindless entertainment. While these elements can be thrilling, they rarely delve into the deeper recesses of the human psyche. They seldom grapple with the existential questions that gnaw at us in the quiet hours, the ones that keep us up at night. This is precisely why Joko Anwar's Siksa Kubur a.k.a. Grave Torture, struck such a profound chord with me. It dared to be different, to transcend the genre's limitations and offer a horror experience unlike any other.

Unlike its conventional counterparts, Siksa Kubur didn't shy away from the very questions I myself grapple with. These weren't the usual horror tropes - ghosts seeking revenge or vengeful spirits. Instead, the film delved into the complexities of fear of the unknown, the nature of good and evil, motives and consequences. It forced me to confront these unsettling realities head-on, making me a willing participant in its exploration of the human mind.

But what truly elevated from Siksa Kubur was its ability to offer insightful answers to these harrowing questions. It didn't bombard me with simplistic solutions or preachy pronouncements. Instead, the film presented its ideas through a masterfully crafted narrative, allowing me to arrive at my own interpretations. The terror wasn't simply a means to an end; it served as a catalyst for introspection. The scares, while undeniably effective, weren't the sole focus. They were meticulously woven into the narrative, each one serving to push me further down the rabbit hole of self-discovery.

This is not to say that the film shied away from genuine scares. Siksa Kubur delivered moments of pure, unadulterated terror. However, these moments were not gratuitous. They were meticulously placed, serving to heighten the emotional stakes and reinforce the film's central themes. The true brilliance lay in the way these scares intertwined with the exploration of the aforementioned questions. Each jump or moment of heart-pounding suspense added another layer to the film's tapestry, deepening the overall impact.

The film's characters also played a pivotal role in its success. They weren't simply one-dimensional archetypes, instead, they were complex individuals wrestling with their own internal demons, mirroring the struggles of the audience. Their journeys became our journeys, their fears resonated with our own anxieties. We empathized with their plight, becoming emotionally invested in their fate, which made the film's exploration of these profound themes all the more impactful.

Ultimately, Siksa Kubur served as more than just a horror film. It was a thought-provoking experience that challenged me to confront my own fears and grapple with the existential questions that linger in the shadows. It offered no easy answers, but instead, empowered me to forge my own path of understanding. In a genre often content with cheap thrills, Siksa Kubur dared to be different, offering a horror experience that was both terrifying and intellectually stimulating. It reminded me that horror, at its best, can be a powerful tool for introspection, forcing us to confront the darkness within and emerge, perhaps, with a newfound sense of self-awareness.