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"??

Life after death is not a new story that has emerged around us. From the animist era (kejawen) of Semar's disappearance to the realm of virtue to the concept of heaven and hell in the religion of Abraham, we are attached to the belief to do self-moral as a form of devotion to God. Interestingly, this movie does not try to reflect on moral boundaries, but instead challenges the general concept of each belief without offending any party. From the beginning, we are brought into the movie feeling various sides of emotions and the impression of injustice for deep wounds. Leading us to be unsure of the direction of this movie. I personally did not feel a deep impact when watching this movie the first time. But realized that there was a hidden message being carried. Creating various question marks about the direction of this film. Realizing that many feel this film is good, but for me personally this film is less able to describe an explicit picture or traumatic impression in death itself. Which is the soul of the movie itself. I realized that the director (from some media interviews) did not delve into that area, from the beginning he tried to open new doors to create a space for discussion. For me, this is unacceptable because it seems selfish and will exclude ordinary viewers who don't really dig the absurdity. If I reflect on this movie, it is more suitable to be juxtaposed with films like Shutter Island (2010) or Seven (1995). But I appreciate that Jokan (as fans call him) remains consistent in bringing his world. Given that quite a lot of people are fanatical about his work. Various theories are proposed and concluded, but not many are satisfying for me. I would personally recommend this movie for anyone who wants to explore further the psychological sides of humans rather than looking for trivial fears that are widely peddled in most Indonesian films.

Watching films is not just entertainment, but there is value that we bring home. Joko Anwar offers psychological horror, which is the time for film lovers to move up from just bland exotic horror. The cinematography and tone are perfect, the acting of all the actors is seasoned, even though some actors are debutants, the scoring is great, and the plot twist at the ending is typical Joko Anwar. The film is only 1 hour 57 minutes long, but it would take perhaps a week to discuss it.

Watching the Joko Anwar film is like reading an interactive children's novel by R. A. Montgomery. We are stimulated to think, every scene contains a clue. In fact, the ending of the film is also up to each viewer's interpretation. Joko Anwar never forces his will in any of his films.

Joko Anwar has been known to make films with notable standards like great characters, interesting premise to follow, provoking dialogues, and doses of gore here and there. Grave Torture checks all of the items, but unfortunately, it also checks Anwar's notorious trademark: a weak third act.

Anwar has always been a good storyteller. This movie is no exception. It has a bubbling mystery in every corner, asking me to guess in every scene, unrolled with witty, almost absurd, characters, to keep me on my seat along with amazing technical aspects, especially the sound design. Then, the third act comes.

It reminds me of all of his previous horror works where the plot becomes chaotic and blurred. I don't know how, but it felt really exploitative. There's not much of a story, just series of audience-engaging scenes masquerading as a climax. How is that justify all of the buildups? How is that going to answer all of the questions? Those questions keep me on my seat until suddenly, it ends.

I realized that Anwar is not responsible to make a film that I can fully understand. Maybe I am not smart enough for that. Maybe it's a trick to anticipates for possible sequel (if any). Or maybe, it's time for me to accept that Anwar's style will never going to a direction that I like. But, I think most of his climax is an easy way out for such lucrative plot development that he makes.

Then again, the climax stays in my head for two days. It does impactful.

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.