Xanthipiel

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.