Lembayung

The horror genre is beloved for its ability to evoke fear, tension, and thrill, yet not every attempt hits the mark. Unfortunately, this particular movie-directed by Baim (lembayung)-fails spectacularly in its execution. Touted as a psychological horror masterpiece, it instead unfolds as an agonizingly slow film with no discernible direction, leaving audiences bewildered and underwhelmed.

The primary issue lies in the timeline. The narrative drags interminably, lacking any semblance of urgency or momentum. Horror thrives on pacing; it needs to maintain a rhythm that alternates between building suspense and delivering impactful moments. This film, however, stumbles into monotony with prolonged scenes of characters brooding in dimly lit rooms, engaging in redundant dialogue that adds nothing to the story. The plot barely moves forward, creating an excruciating viewing experience.

What's worse is the absence of a coherent direction. The film promises a psychological horror narrative but never establishes a central theme or conflict. The characters wander through the story as aimlessly as the plot itself, with their motivations and backstories left undeveloped. Any potential subplots that could enrich the story-be it familial tension, psychological trauma, or supernatural intrigue-are hinted at and then abandoned. This lack of focus undermines the audience's ability to connect with the narrative or care about the characters' fates.

The horror elements, the core of the genre, are disappointingly ineffective. Instead of crafting genuine scares through atmosphere, tension, or unpredictability, the film relies on tired tropes and lackluster jump scares. Scenes that are meant to frighten come across as uninspired and predictable. Furthermore, the cinematography fails to create an unsettling ambiance; the poorly lit visuals and awkward camera angles only serve to frustrate rather than immerse the viewer.

Adding to the frustration is the subpar acting. The cast struggles to convey fear, urgency, or any genuine emotion, making it difficult for the audience to feel invested. The lead actor, in particular, delivers a wooden performance that lacks charisma or depth. Without compelling performances, even the best scripts can fall flat-but in this case, the weak acting only compounds the film's other flaws.

Baim's directorial choices raise questions about his understanding of the genre. Horror demands a delicate balance between suspense and payoff, between subtlety and shock. However, this film meanders without clear intent, leaving audiences waiting for a payoff that never arrives. By the time the credits roll, viewers are left more confused than terrified, wondering what the point of it all was.

In conclusion, this movie is a prime example of how not to execute a horror film. It is a tedious, unfocused, and unoriginal attempt that offers little to those who dare to watch it. While every director deserves credit for the effort and creativity it takes to produce a film, this one falls far short of expectations. Baim's venture into horror is an unfortunate misstep, and viewers would be wise to seek thrills elsewhere. This film, sadly, is a failed experiment that tests the patience of even the most dedicated fans of the genre.

I was kind of excited for this one. Really want to support Baim. The movie starts of promising but half way in, the ghost story turned into a who dunnit. The story revolved around two school friends Arum and Pica whose internships was an assignment at a clinic Lembayung somewhere in a village. Both carrying personal secrets.. The story got a little bit ridiculous when Arum's boyfriend visited Arum and then disappeared with a mysterious lady.

1. The timeline here was very very disruptive and illogical. Watch it and tell me otherwise.

2. Paula Verhoevan does not look like Dimas' mom. This point on the plot just got silly. BTW leave the acting to real actors ok?

3. The newspaper clips in the bag is ridiculous. Baim should have written a different scenario. I cringed here.

The movie's final act was good but those 3 things just ruined an otherwise 8 out of 10 score.

Try again Baim.

Lembayung, starring the ever-promising Anna Jobling, is not your typical horror film. From the outset, it sets itself apart with a storyline that doesn't lean on tired tropes of haunted houses or exorcisms. Instead, it boldly delves into themes of sexual harassment, consent, and female empowerment-topics rarely explored in commercial horror films. This fresh approach is the film's biggest strength, offering a narrative weight that feels significant, yet never overbearing for a mass-market audience. The writers deserve commendation for crafting a story that resonates on such a profound level while still retaining its entertainment value.

Anna Jobling shines in her role, proving herself as a fast learner and a formidable talent. Her performance reflects growth and a deeper understanding of her craft, particularly in scenes that demand vulnerability and intensity. Her ghostly portrayal, while limited by makeup and CGI shortcomings, is a testament to her ability to elevate material through sheer presence.

Unfortunately, Lembayung stumbles in its technical execution. The makeup and CGI, while nostalgic in their intent, fall short of delivering the chilling visuals that today's audiences expect. The effort to use practical effects over heavy reliance on CGI is appreciated, evoking memories of classic horror films. Yet, the execution lacked finesse, leaving much to be desired.

The film's pacing and tonal shifts, however, are where it truly falters. Lembayung begins with a promising buildup-moody, atmospheric, and genuinely unsettling. But as the story progresses, the scares fade, replaced by moments of unintentional humor. By the time the climax rolls around, the film veers into chaos, with loose plotting and over-the-top creative decisions that undermine its initial promise. Characters benefit from improbable plot armor, and the climactic resolution feels rushed and unearned, leaving audiences scratching their heads rather than gripping their seats.

For those expecting consistent thrills, the slow pacing and diminishing scare factor may disappoint. The film, though moderately interesting in its narrative, fails to sustain the tension needed to keep viewers on edge. The gradual shift from eerie to absurd undoes much of the excellent groundwork laid in the first act, leaving a sense of unmet potential.

Verdict: Lembayung is a paradox-a film that starts strong but progressively loses its way. It's a brave attempt to inject meaningful themes into the horror genre, and for that alone, it deserves recognition. However, its technical flaws and uneven storytelling hold it back from being truly memorable. While Anna Jobling's performance and the film's unique ideation stand out, Lembayung ultimately feels like a missed opportunity, teetering on the edge of greatness but never quite reaching it.