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.
