Biaz: Kara Iyenin Laneti

In all my more than 40+ years of watching movies, I think this is actually only the second Turkish movie that I sit down to watch. So I am very unfamiliar with the Turkish cinema, to say the least.

So of course I had never heard about this 2024 horror movie titled "Biaz: Kara Iyenin Laneti" prior to stumbling upon it by random luck here in 2025. And given my love of all things horror, and this being a movie that I had neither heard about nor seen, of course I opted to check it out.

I was a bit surprised that writers Erkut Altindag, Hakan Huseyin Gul, Ayse Gunsel and Volkan Özgümüs collectively couldn't muster to put together more than they did. Sure, the movie was watchable, but the script was a bit mundane and the writers used the same formula over and over; the characters experience something scary and then come to realize it wasn't real. And that particular formula was used over and over, making the movie somewhat repetitive.

Suffice it to say that I was not familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list, and that was actually something that spoke in favor of the movie, as I enjoy watching new and unfamiliar talents on the screen. The acting performances in the movie were certainly fair.

The effects in the movie were okay, though nothing particularly extraordinary to behold.

Watchable, sure, but hardly an outstanding or memorable. It is not a movie that warrants more than a single viewing, as the script just simply isn't layered enough for more than a single viewing.

My rating of directors Erkut Altindag and Volkan Özgümüs's 2024 movie "Biaz: Kara Iyenin Laneti" lands on a four out of ten stars.

Let's get the Turkish elephant out of the way. The one guy is distractively reminiscent of one non-Academy Award-winning Egyptian-American non-actor by the name of Sami Malek. It is maddening how similar they look.

Also all the actors in this movie talk so fast and the subtitles are so poor that it took me like 12 tries to sit through this trying to figure out what is going on.

There is a spirit board. And a villain. And A Nightmare on Elm Street kinda plot that had a simple solution that the protagonists of this movie just kinda ignored.

The movie is then slow for only 90 minutes. It runs over its own feet a few times. And it's formulaic like any American version of the same story that has already been done.

Oh and they also go visit Anatolia's version of Rachel Dratch in the nuthouse. And they leave even dumber.

I was hoping for more.

This would be a good movie if students made this for a school project and their friend played those characters but i think it's not.

Bad writing and below average acting overall. I'm not even talking about how bad story is.

It's horror movie but it's far from movie Good job guys, don't do it again.

This would be a good movie if students made this for a school project and their friend played those characters but i think it's not.

Bad writing and below average acting overall. I'm not even talking about how bad story is.

It's horror movie but it's far from movie Good job guys, don't do it again.

"Biaz: Kara Iyenin Laneti" (English: Biaz: The Curse of the Dark One) is a 2024 Turkish horror film that follows a group of university students who inadvertently summon an ancient evil spirit.

The film effectively builds suspense and utilizes jump scares to create a chilling atmosphere. The performances are solid, with the young actors conveying a sense of fear and paranoia as the supernatural forces begin to take hold. The special effects, while not groundbreaking, are sufficient to enhance the eerie and unsettling tone.

"Biaz: Kara Iyenin Laneti" draws inspiration from classic horror tropes, such as demonic possession and ancient curses, while also incorporating elements of Turkish folklore and mythology. This blend of familiar and culturally specific elements adds a unique flavor to the film.

However, the film's plot may feel predictable to seasoned horror fans, with some of the narrative beats and character arcs following familiar patterns. Additionally, the dialogue can occasionally feel a bit stilted or expository.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "Biaz: Kara Iyenin Laneti" is a solid entry in the Turkish horror genre. It effectively delivers scares and offers a chilling exploration of ancient evil. The film is sure to appeal to fans of supernatural horror and those looking for a thrilling cinematic experience.

Disclaimer: This review is based on available information and may not reflect the full nuances of the film.

Please note: This information is for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional critical analysis.