Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion

Watching this film is an enjoyable experience. Joko Anwar can optimally use the setting to create a fun haunted house throughout the runtime. Not only that, we also get more explanations (and additional questions as well) about Satan's Slaves universe.

This shows the director already has strong concept about where the saga would go, but at the same time I know this sequel won't be the end, hence the ending feels like an abrupt intermission with lots of flashing lights. However, I think this movie is a great sequel from the predecessor, and it shows with the right hand, Indonesian horror sequel can be a good thing to see. I might want to watch this movie again.

SATAN'S SLAVE 2:COMMUNION is a terrific horror film which has a great atmosphere and succeeds immensely due to the competent direction of Joko Anwar. The plot is good but could have used more focused writing. The pace is slow but it methodically builds towards a tremendous finale although the information-dense climax leaves a lot to be desired in terms of the resolution of various threads, due to that the film feels a bit like a filler for the third part of the franchise.

If you want to see how to effectively build a great thrilling scene, look no further than the elevator crash scene and how Anwar builds it to a great crescendo using superb camerawork and sublime cuts. Also, the scene of Tari's prayer is exceptionally conceived and the use of close-ups and long takes is exemplary.

On a standalone basis, it's still a solid horror film with an effective mood, awesome technical aspects, brilliant acting and excellent scares but could have been much better only if the plot gave us some idea of what we are dealing with here. Let's hope the next part gives answers to those burning questions. But for now, I am extremely contented by what was offered and would easily term it better than its predecessor simply due to its expansive scope and the way it organically builds upon its predecessor without falling into the traps of redundancy and ridiculousness.

Just go for it!

I would say that this movie is slightly better than the previous one, but this one is more filled with a lot of spooky stuff that you can expect from a good horror movie. The plot didn't have much difference, it was still filled with a lot of mystery about the cult itself and left us with more questions and theories. They definitely saving something big for the next one. I'm surprised when they somehow connect the story with a real-life history, that's just a smart move by Joko Anwar.

The technical aspects of this movie are top-notch for an Indonesian horror movie and superior than the first one. I still can't get over how beautiful the cinematography is, especially for the exterior shots. And the production design is great as well, we got traveled back to the 80s.

My favorite part is the moment leading up to the elevator accident, there were so many things going on, and the music that plays along with it makes the moment very chaotic and intense.

A new breakthrough for Indonesian horror films of course, but the weakness lies in the forced and hasty plot. Regarding technical achievements, there is rapid progress compared to the previous film, the cinematography is superb, sound design is really good and the IMAX's crystal clear mastered is tye new game here!. But the problem is on the direction itself, i think is not as good as Joko Anwar's previous work Impetigore, it's too rushy, the plot seems forced to be associated with historical events, but the correlation does not make any sense at all if you think about the first Satan's Slave details and plot. But so far, Satan's Slave 2 provides an interesting and exciting spectacle and a roller coaster ride! Tari characters? What a wasted talent! This character supposedly got more interesting role play better than just a layer character guest.

7,5/10.

Bigger, braver, more brutal, Joko Anwar sets new standard for Indonesian horror visual storytelling with each release of Pengabdi Setan's installment. But as usual with Joko, some parts work really well, others seem to be unfit in a 2-hour movie medium that are sometimes hard to ignore. But other than that, it's an excellent alternative for those suffering from Hollywood fatigue, thanks to all those homages towards 60's - 80's horror movies, the period where Hollywood still knew how to make movies, including horror/thriller

8.5/10.