Pemandi Jenazah

The problem with Indonesian and Hollywood horror is their over-dependence on ineffective, predictable jump scares. Atmospheric horror is something the Indonesian have always failed to execute, despite the country's rich cultural tradition and beautiful landscapes.

The lazy use of conventional camera angles is almost as disappointing as the wheat flour on the ghosts. It is almost as if the film-makers aren't horror fans at all.

Story-wise, from the get go it was a bit too obvious, with the nosey ladies bickering over widowhood. Lela being tasked with cleaning the corpse completely unaided also does not reflect the reality of a typical Southeast Asian village-what happened to fardhu kifayah and gotong-royong? There's always that one monosyllabic, antisocial guy/gal to inject a feeling of mystery, and I'm really really tired of seeing this.

The only fresh element is how the evil spirits were portrayed to seem unfazed by the quranic verses and loud chanting of the mourners; a trope more commonly seen in western horror films. I imagine this would create some form of controversy among the more conservative audiences in places like Malaysia.

At least Indonesia is moving away from softcore porno in their horror films.

Another disappointment, unfortunately.

Watched this with a bunch of friends with no expectations coming into it, and it absolutely met those expectations. This film does nothing interesting to me and in times kinda drags on with the more yappy scenes. While I do appreciate it tries to add an aspect of mystery to the story it's attempts just ends up messing up the pacing of it a little and I do find it to be a bit out of nowhere at times. However, credit where credit's due I did enjoy the more graphic scenes towards the end as it was the least dull part about the horror of the film and, I do appreciate the message the film tries to send. Besides, I can't be too harsh on the film as I did find it to be decently watchable and not too bad in the end.

There's a noticeable void in quality horror films these days, but this movie stands out as an exception. While the plot might become predictable within the first 40 minutes, the real thrill doesn't lie in the storyline but in the timing and unconventional camera angles that create genuine fear. What I crave in a horror movie is the feeling of being truly afraid, yet so many modern films are far too predictable in how and when they attempt to scare the audience. However, this director masterfully crafts each moment, delivering fear with precision and meticulous attention to detail. That's All!!

"Pemandi Jenazah" (The Gravedigger's Wife) is an Indonesian horror film that explores themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. The film centers around a young woman named Nova who, after the tragic death of her husband, takes over his job as a gravedigger to support her family.

Strengths: * Atmospheric and Eerie: The film effectively creates a chilling atmosphere through its use of sound design, lighting, and a haunting score. The isolated setting of the graveyard and the eerie rituals associated with death contribute to the overall sense of dread.

* Strong Performances: The lead actress delivers a compelling performance, conveying Nova's grief, resilience, and growing fear convincingly.

* Exploration of Grief and Trauma: The film delves into the complexities of grief and the psychological impact of trauma on its protagonist. Nova's struggles with guilt and the lingering presence of her deceased husband provide a poignant and emotionally resonant core to the narrative.

Weaknesses: * Predictable Plot: While the atmosphere is well-established, the plot itself may feel somewhat predictable to seasoned horror fans. The supernatural elements, while effective in creating suspense, might not offer significant surprises.

* Reliance on Jump Scares: The film relies heavily on jump scares for its scares, which can feel repetitive and detract from the more nuanced psychological horror elements.

* Pacing Issues: The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed.

Overall: "Pemandi Jenazah" is a decent Indonesian horror film that effectively utilizes atmosphere and strong performances to create a chilling experience. While the plot may be somewhat predictable and the reliance on jump scares can be excessive, the film's exploration of grief and trauma provides a compelling emotional core. It's worth watching for fans of atmospheric horror and those interested in Indonesian cinema.

The Corpse Washer follows familiar tropes and ideas but introduces some unique elements and social commentary. Lela, a young mortician, is unhappy with her life and the work she inherited from her family, especially since her mother insists on keeping it as a tradition. After her mother suddenly dies, Lela notices something odd about her body while washing it, unraveling secrets from the past with dire consequences.

The premise is simple yet intriguing, featuring some interesting elements. Lela and the other characters are mostly likable, and the actors deliver commendable performances. The acting is a bit uneven at times, especially from minor characters, but it's not too distracting.

The film heavily relies on jump scares and rarely takes the time to build a tense atmosphere. Instead, it bombards viewers with scary faces and loud noises. To its credit, the makeup and effects are well done, preventing it from feeling like a low-budget jumpscare fest. However, the movie doesn't fully reach its potential and could have been more engaging.

It's a decent watch, with a reasonable 107-minute runtime, so you won't feel like you've wasted over two hours if it doesn't fully click for you. If you enjoy Indonesian cinema, especially horror, you might want to give it a try, though it's unlikely to leave a lasting impression. [5,6/10]