Among the new Indonesian horror movies during the last two years, "Kuntilanak" a.k.a. "The Chanting" may have been the only one that pays real attention to story-telling and strong characterization, and of course, a proper visual treatment.
The story is simple and formulaic. Rather than giving away cheap thrills, "Kuntilanak" is more about a creepy atmosphere. It starts rather slow, and the building up is a little too step-by-step. Nevertheless, the makers seem to really understand what kind of horror they are making - a B-grade horror, that is, judging from the typical shower scene, the screaming babes, and the too-hunky guy with robotic gesture.
Oh, and Julie Estelle rocks big time! Man, she's so creepy! The chant is original and freaking scary. I so don't want to listen to it in the dark. Though lacking of jump-off-your-seat scenes, "Kuntilanak" has succeeded in making me and my friends peeping through our hands throughout the movie. There are only 2 or 3 points where we went screaming, but all worth our noisiests! I came out of the theater shivering, plus craving for a sequel. Please, please, please!
