Labinak: Mereka Ada di Sini

Some horror films do not arrive with the promise of reinvention yet they manage to give us something refreshing just by refusing to follow the same tired formula. Labinak: Mereka Ada Di Sini is one of those films. It does not change the genre, it does not revolutionize what horror can be but in a landscape where Indonesian horror often feels stuck in the same cycle of ghosts and demons, this feels like a gust of different air. And sometimes, that is enough to make us lean in.

The story works because the characters are not just victims running aimlessly into darkness. They are trapped by life itself. Trapped by fate. Their struggles are grounded in something painfully human, a longing for a better life and the heavy realization that sometimes, no matter where you turn, there is no escape. This layer gives the terror more weight. It is not just about surviving monsters, it is about surviving the cruel trick that life has played on them.

Visually, the film finds a balance between CGI and practical effects. And that balance matters. Horror should feel tangible, like it could reach out from the screen and touch your skin. Here, the practical effects bring grit and texture especially in the gore which is as messy and bloody as you might secretly hope for in this kind of film. Buckets of blood splash across the screen, while pinkish at times but still deliciously disgusting. It is rare for Indonesian horror to lean into gore without digital shortcuts and while not perfect, this effort is admirable. The ghosts however, do not always look convincing. When the film leans too heavily into CGI, the effect slips into cartoonish. It makes us wish they had trusted the practical side more.

The pacing and tone however, leave us divided. It is entertaining, yes. The scares are there, yes. But we cannot help but feel the film could have gone further. It plays a little too safe for something with so much potential. It does not reach the nerve-wrecking tension of Rumah Dara Macabre nor does it carry the dread of Eden Lake nor the psychological sharpness of The Silence of the Lambs. It feels designed for a broader audience and in doing so, it sacrifices the chance to be truly terrifying. It's still an entertaining watch nevertheless.

And yet, the final act redeems much. The last twenty minutes erupt into a grand finale filled with ritualistic horror that feels both alive and terrifying. The setting recalls the haunting energy of Desa Penari Badarawuhi with its dance-like rituals and cultish atmosphere. Here, the film finally embraces its darker potential and for a moment, we are caught in its spell.

Verdict: Labinak: Mereka Ada Di Sini is a film that does not redefine horror but still offers something to savor. Its mix of practical gore, suffocating atmosphere and a finale that burns into your memory make it worthwhile. It stumbles in parts. Sometimes too safe and sometimes too reliant on digital tricks but it still manages to deliver an experience that feels fresh in the Indonesian horror scene. Imperfect yet satisfying, it reminds us why horror thrives when it dares to get a little dirty and a little different.

Finally, there is an Indonesian film that manages to bring back the concept of cannibalism in a fairly convincing way. It feels refreshing to see a local production daring enough to explore such a controversial and unsettling theme, especially since horror in Indonesia often relies on ghosts or supernatural elements rather than the raw, disturbing reality of human behavior. The film introduces cannibalism not only as a shock factor but also as a cultural and psychological layer, making it more than just gore for the sake of gore.

However, the biggest drawback of the movie lies in its storytelling. The narrative still carries too many plot holes, which sometimes weakens the immersion. Several character motivations are left unexplained, and some scenes feel rushed, as if the writers were more focused on shocking moments rather than developing a coherent story arc. This imbalance makes the audience curious but also frustrated, since the potential for a deeper exploration of morality, fear, and survival is clearly there.

On the technical side, the jumpscares feel surprisingly fresh. They are not overused, and when executed, they actually manage to deliver a sudden chill instead of predictable cheap thrills. Unfortunately, the film relies too heavily on sound effects and background music. Almost every frightening moment is accompanied by an exaggerated audio cue, which reduces the natural tension. Sometimes silence can be far more terrifying than loud noises, because it forces the audience to anticipate the unknown. Had the director chosen to use more quiet, suspenseful sequences, the atmosphere could have been much darker and more unsettling.

Despite its flaws, this film deserves credit for reintroducing cannibalism as a serious horror element in Indonesian cinema. With tighter writing and more careful use of sound design, it could have been truly outstanding.

It's creepy, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional. If you're into horror that actually has depth and not just loud noises to make you jump this is definitely worth watching. And the final part is the most epic scene. Raihanun's acting is excellent and feels natural in every scene. The cinematography??? So aesthetic and disturbing at the same time.

Labinak----They Are Here is a disturbing Indonesian horror film about a single mother who discovers terrifying secrets behind a prestigious school. With a dark atmosphere, strong performances-especially from Raihaanun-and shocking ritualistic horror, the movie delivers both fear and emotional depth. It's unsettling, gripping, and unforgettable.

Finally there are Indonesian horror movie with cannibalism theme again! The concept and material of the movie is fresh, different than other horror movies nowadays, also shout out to Raihaanun, who played the main character very well. Her acting is undoubtedly good as she is a seasoned actress in Indonesia. The background of the main character as a struggling teacher is very relatable to nowadays social issue in Indonesia. Also, the concept of human meet farming is quite interesting and thought provoking. Overall, the movie is fresh and entertaining!