Sumala

Watching at the beginning, I had a bad feeling about this movie. As I go along, my feeling was confirmed. The background of this movie is colonial Java, where people speak Javanese. Unfortunately, none of the actors speaks fluent Javanese but a very few supporting characters that seemed to be played by native Javanese speakers. Although this movie was supposedly spoken in Bahasa, but sprinkles of Javanese was poorly spoken throughout the movie. As a nativr Javanese, this is very annoying!

Special effect seemed too budget oriented. Many of the scenes using special effect failed to create a believable scene.

The only thing good about this movie is the adapted story. Hence, this movie have a good story, but ruined by poor execution.

The movie "Sumala" presents a fairly conventional storyline, but is still able to keep the audience's interest. Unfortunately, this storyline lacks significant surprises or plot twists, so it feels a bit flat. Perhaps because this movie is trying to explain a myth that is still prevalent in an area in Indonesia, the execution of the movie is in a flashback model. The beginning, the conflict, the climax, and the denouement are just like that.

In terms of acting, the cast actually performed quite well. Darius and Luna, as the leads, are able to bring their characters to life well. However, there is a feeling that they have not fully immersed themselves in the role, so the emotions conveyed are not maximized.

The pacing of the movie is relatively fast, following the standard of Indonesian horror movies in general. However, for viewers who like slow-burn horror like me, this pacing may feel unsatisfying.

The cinematography of this film is fairly good, although the color grading used still follows the trend of Indonesian horror films, which I don't like. However, a thumbs up for the totality of the properties used, which adds a convincing impression to the movie.

One thing that is quite annoying is the inconsistent use of language. The movie mixes Javanese and Indonesian, which I find less effective. If the goal is to be understood by all audiences in Indonesia, the movie should have used Indonesian throughout.

Overall, the movie presents a fairly predictable ending. Sumala takes revenge on everyone who has hurt her. Nonetheless, it's a satisfying ending to the story.

Evidently it's based on real-life reports of a demonic presence in an Indonesian community. Instead of exploring these alleged encounters the movie focuses on the origin of the titular antagonist. There's some decent gore but very little horror because none of the characters are likeable enough to engender any sympathy. There are also no surprises or reveals because the story is completely straightforward. It's competently directed, edited and acted but the overall experience is never more than middling because the script doesn't take any interesting risks or deviate from the expected narrative.

Just caught this in the bioskop near me... BTC cinema in pasteur. I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the film. I thoroughly enjoyed it very very much. Having been disappointed by recent movies like Siksa Kubur and Susanna, Sumala executive produced by Luna Maya was a breath of fresh air. I saw the trailer before hand and I didn't really want to go watch it. But my wife dragged me and I reluctantly comply. Boy was I entertained. Full marks for all acting and Maykala the little girl stole the thunder. Solid performance all around 👏.

While I would have preferred to see more of Satan, she was the devil's child by the way, I suspect some scenes was not included to keep the running time short. I am a fan of slasher gore films like Friday 13th and Elm Street and this movie lived up to my expectations.

So kudos to the director 👏 and producers I really enjoyed this one.

One final note, this film just lack cinematic artistic shot... such as drone establishing scenes, close ups of feets and faces. And too much music where silence is much preferred.

MORE please what is next??

Watched this while on holiday in Malaysia. I didn't have high hopes as from the start the acting is wooden at best but the premise of the film kept me watching.

I did like Makayla Rose Hilli's performance as Sumala/Kumala as she gave it her all but by the end I was watching just to complete the film rather than enjoying it. Also knowing that it is based on legend in the forests of Indonesia made it more interesting.

There were some nods to other films of this genre. The Omen, The Ring etc and a couple of nice references to The Shining.

All in all a watchable horror to fill some time but I imagine there are better Indonesian movies out there.