Roh

A Malaysian folktale horror that took place in the wood. This was quite a creepy atmosphere due to the slow-pace and secluded area. The first half really unnerved me but also kept me interested in the mystery.

However, towards the end I just realized how convoluted the story was. Maybe it's just me, but it shouldn't be this confusing.

Overall, it's still a creepy one. 6.5/10.

I am usually the first to dissent from saying that a certain film is the foreign equivalent of another, but in this case the comparison helps me identifying the tone and target audience of who will appreciate this film.

It's a slow burn, devoid of any mainstream sensationalism that makes the horror genre suffer lately. It's definitely more of an arthouse work, that cares more about constructing a narrative than making the audience get a heart attack.

Like, as I learned, most of the latter horror films from far east, Roh draws from local folklore. What makes Roh more interesting is the sense of mystery that sorrounds the events.

In a clear choice, the dialogue is minimal and there is heavy subtraction. In other words, much is implied, not said, assumed, and this makes the ending, although clear, with unanswered questions.

I mentioned "The Witch" because the tone is very similar, although the setting is somewhat radically different, and the different culture makes the seemingly similar plots very radically different.

Roh is Emir Ezwan's directorial debut, and as such, it is outstanding. I hope that we get to see more from him in the near future.

I have seen "Roh" at the Far East Film Festival Online. Despite the first "official" screening is on the 3rd of July, all the films of the films can be seen at any time during the festival days.

One of the best supernatural horror of the year. Without a heavy plot and special effects, this film rellies a lot on the jungle. Great cinematography and creepy atmosphere. A well done slow burn horror.

This one started out great for me. Super atmospheric and visually beautiful with a solid creep factor. As it went on, the story got more and more convoluted and slightly confusing to the point that it fell apart for me a bit. However I wouldn't let that deter you from watching it, it just dropped it from a 7 to a 6.5, ultimately leaving it at a 6.

Regardless, beautiful atmospheric slow burn folk horror, would recommend .

A creepy & ill-omened folk horror that invokes its eerie vibe, foreboding tone & uncomfortable aura from the remote wilderness setting its plot operates in, Roh (Soul) relies on its minimalist style, relaxed pace & central mystery to envelop the viewers into its grasp and only gets more unnerving as it progresses. There are however a few confusing bits in it that go over the head.

Directed by Emir Ezwan in his directorial debut, the story concerns a family of three who live an isolated life in the forest but soon find their quiet existence disrupted after the arrival of a mysterious girl with an unsettling prediction. Ezwan's direction exhibits ample restraint as he allows the sinister atmosphere to set up gradually and lets each scene play out in its entirety.

Assisting the director in bringing his vision to life on the screen is the methodical camerawork, brilliant sound design & restless score. Every new stranger turning up at the family's doorstep only amplifies the film's dark, ominous mood with their undisclosed identity & intention. As for the performances, the amateurish & unpolished acts aren't a plus but they're still serviceable.

Overall, Roh combines folklore, superstitions, spirits, omens, sickness, devilry, death, rituals & premonitions into a bleak & unforgiving fable of a family that gets ruthlessly torn apart by evil forces. The final act runs longer than required plus the local flavours & context at play remain lost on foreign viewers but this indie art-house horror from Malaysia is oddly fascinating if not wholly satisfying.