Kuasa gelap

While I had never heard about "Kuasa Gelap" (aka "Dominion of Darkness") before sitting down to watch it here in 2025, it hardly mattered given my love of Asian horror movies.

However, I have to say that I am a bit surprised that writers Andri Cahyadi, Robert Ronny and Vera Varidia collectively could only muster to conjure up a generic script for a possession-themed horror movie. Yeah, "Kuasa Gelap" didn't bring anything new to the genre, which haven't been done or seen better in other movies already. And on that account, then the movie felt rather bland, generic and somewhat redundant.

The acting performances in the movie were fair. The only face on the screen that I was familiar with was actress Makayla Rose Hilli, because I remember her from her stellar performance in the 2024 horror movie "Sumala", but she only had a minor support role in this movie.

The effects in the movie were good, and definitely helped added a sense of supernatural element to the movie.

Sure, "Kuasa Gelap" is a watchable movie, but you're not in for anything grand or memorable. There were potential for something far more enjoyable here, but ultimately then "Kuasa Gelap" was just another run-of-the-mill possession movie, so don't set your expectations too high.

My rating of "Kuasa Gelap" lands on a bland five out of ten stars.

I recently watched "Kuasa Gelap" and I was impressed by the film's attempt to showcase the diversity of religions within the Indonesian horror genre. However, the storyline, while promising, could have been executed more effectively. The initial scenes felt unnecessary and forced. Additionally, the cinematography left much to be desired. The dialogue was stiff and did not accurately portray real-life situations. My biggest criticism lies in the sound design, which was overly loud and excessive. I believe the Indonesian film industry has the potential to create a new standard for horror films. There's no need to rely heavily on excessive music and sound effects.

Kuasa Gelap presents a locally rooted exorcism tale: a Catholic priest grappling with his faith and trauma, tasked to deal with a case of possession in his community. The film's ambition to combine supernatural horror with spiritual struggle is commend. I give it a 6/10 because while the concept and mood have promise, the overall execution falls short of being truly memorable.

What works:

A rare local take on the exorcism genre: The film introduces a Catholic ritual context rarely seen in Indonesian horror cinema, and uses this backdrop to tackle faith and doubt.

Solid performances and setting: Actors convey emotional weight; the setting and tone generate a sense of unease beyond mere scare tactics.

Thoughtful production intent: The filmmakers invested research and put religious nuance into the story, which elevates it above generic fare.

Where it falls short:

Narrative and genre familiarity: Although the theme is fresh, the storyline often slides into expected tropes, reducing surprise.

Inconsistent momentum and under-developed arcs: Some scenes drag, character development is uneven, and the resolution leaves questions.

Technical or character-depth limitations: Some supporting characters feel thin and certain visual or technical elements lack the polish implied by the film's ambition.

In summary, Kuasa Gelap is a noteworthy entry in Indonesian horror-an effort with heart and concept-but not fully realised. A film worth exploring by genre fans, though tempered in expectation. Hence, 6/10 feels appropriate: acknowledging its strengths and recognising its gaps.

For me, this movie might be the best Indonesian's horror movie because it feels different from all Indonesian's horror movie I've experienced. The main point is, the movie tells us story about Christian exorcist which is so rare to be true Indonesia made such a Christian horror film, that there is not only a horror thing but also magic line of words that related to most Christian people in Indonesia or precisely for me that give me spirit and hope about strong faith. The story is also a heavy line if you watch it carefully and deeply. I really like how the movie is just using some budget/simple set, but the main plot and line is the best. I think this is a great movie.

Review of Kuasa Gelap (2024)

Kuasa Gelap (translated as Dark Power) is a 2024 Indonesian horror film directed by Bobby Prasetyo, released on February 2, 2024. The movie follows the journey of Father Anton (Lukman Sardi), a priest grappling with a crisis of faith, as he is called upon to perform an exorcism on a teenager, Johan (Jerome Kurnia). The film blends supernatural horror with psychological depth, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and inner conflict.

Plot Overview The story delves into Father Anton's struggle with his belief in God, which has been weakened by personal loss and spiritual doubt. When Johan, a seemingly normal teenager, begins to exhibit signs of possession, Father Anton must face both the external demonic force and the demons of his own mind. The film builds suspense as the exorcism progresses, blurring the lines between reality and the supernatural.

Acting and Performances Lukman Sardi delivers a powerful performance as Father Anton, showcasing the vulnerability and complexity of a man wrestling with his faith. Jerome Kurnia's portrayal of Johan is chilling, shifting from innocence to terrifying malevolence with ease. Astrid Tiar, as Johan's distressed mother, adds emotional intensity, grounding the story in familial love and desperation.

Direction and Cinematography Bobby Prasetyo crafts a slow-burn horror that focuses as much on atmosphere and character development as it does on supernatural scares. The dark, moody cinematography captures the tension in each scene, immersing the audience in the oppressive atmosphere. The film's use of shadows, eerie soundscapes, and disturbing visuals creates a palpable sense of dread.

Themes and Depth Kuasa Gelap explores themes of faith and doubt, using Father Anton's journey as a metaphor for the larger battle between good and evil. The demon symbolizes Anton's internal struggles, forcing him to confront the fragility of his faith. This exploration of spirituality adds depth to the film, making it more than just a typical exorcism horror.

Special Effects and Horror Elements The film excels in its practical effects, particularly during Johan's possession scenes, which are both disturbing and realistic. The horror is psychological as much as it is supernatural, relying on atmosphere and character development rather than jump scares. The demon's presence is unsettling, enhanced by an eerie sound design that heightens the tension.

Weaknesses While the introspective tone adds depth, it may slow the film's pace for viewers expecting a more action-oriented horror experience. Some parts of the film may feel drawn out, especially in the middle act, and the resolution leaves certain questions unanswered, which may frustrate audiences looking for clear explanations.

Conclusion Kuasa Gelap is an atmospheric, thought-provoking horror film that blends supernatural terror with an exploration of faith and doubt. It stands out due to strong performances, particularly by Lukman Sardi, and Bobby Prasetyo's direction, which balances suspense and introspection. While it may not be for everyone due to its slower pace, those looking for a horror film with depth and psychological complexity will appreciate Kuasa Gelap.

Rating: 7.5/10

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