Kajeng Kliwon, Nightmare in Bali

Kajeng Kliwon (2019) comes with an intriguing concept by bringing Balinese mythology and tradition to the horror genre, which is rarely explored in Indonesian cinema. The idea of using the sacred ritual night of Kajeng Kliwon as a horror backdrop could have been its strongest asset. Unfortunately, the execution feels unpolished, and many moments lose the potential to be truly terrifying.

Visually, the film does a good job of capturing the dark atmosphere and eerie vibe of a Balinese village. Some of the shots and artistic direction showcasing traditional Balinese ornaments are commendable. However, the visual effects in the horror scenes often feel overdone and don't always enhance the intended tension.

The storyline is too linear and predictable. The characters lack depth, making it hard for the audience to care about their fate. The dialogues also sometimes feel stiff and unnatural. If only the conversations flowed better and carried more emotional weight, this film could've built a far stronger sense of dread and mystery.

Overall, Kajeng Kliwon is a local horror film with good intentions to highlight traditional culture, but it falls short in delivering a genuinely chilling experience. I give it a 5/10 for its solid concept and some decent visuals, but the weak plot and character development sadly hold it back.