Waktu Maghrib

Entering the cinema hall with fewer expectations, but after watching, I changed my mind because this movie was beyond my expectation. I can feel the horror. The horror depends not only on jumpscare but also on the vibes and the people from the village. The opening scene about what happened 30 years ago was connected with all the tragedies in the movie. It was inspired by the short movie "Waktu Maghrib' on Youtube. For Muslims, it was written in the Quran that we are prohibited from going out at dusk. This movie shows the reality that it might happen in real life. The storyline was great, and the plot twist was perfect. The actor and actress embody the character very well.

This Indonesian, Islamic themed, horror film is based off a youtube short of the same name.

And seems to be fashioned as a sort of cautionary tale, for young muslims, in regards to legends that have developed around the tradition that they should not travel outside their house after dusk...unless they are going to mosque for Magrib (evening prayer).

Having been funded by Sky Media, it's not exactly a low budget undertaking.

The production quality here is excellent.

And tends to make up for some of the less solid (slightly exaggerated) acting performances.

However, it must be taken into consideration that this is a children's horror, aimed at a youth market.

Which- as a random white dude- I find to be pretty cool!

As it is a perfect story to encompass the nightmarish anxieties that any young muslim kid might have.

After a brief introduction, we find ourselves following two best friends...one of which is suffering the mental torment, from the perceived results of his actions, after one of his reactive wishes manifests into reality.

That leaves him bearing the burden of guilt.

Which, it is suggested, stems from him breaking the aforementioned taboo.

Thus opening him up to be possessed by dark, and nefarious, spiritual forces.

As a non-muslim westerner...this is honestly not something I would expect to exist.

So colour me pleasantly surprised at how good of a children's horror this really is!

Because I genuinely suspect that it would have freaked me out as a kid.

And, even as an adult, I found it to be highly entertaining...with a mild amount of gore; and some great special effects.

All-in-all, this is a great little film, no matter who you are, or how you look at it.

But I suspect it will hit especially hard with young muslims.

Either way...it's most definitely worth a watch!

6.5 out of 10.

Waktu Maghrib (2023) is an Indonesian horror film that effectively brings the eerie myths surrounding dusk to life. With a dark atmosphere and well-executed cinematography, the film successfully builds tension from start to finish. The strong cultural elements make it feel more relatable to everyday Indonesian life.

The performances, especially from the child actors, are commendable in conveying fear and emotion. The sound design and lighting contribute significantly to creating an unsettling horror experience. The jumpscares are effective, though some may feel familiar.

However, while the premise is intriguing, some parts of the story feel underdeveloped and somewhat predictable. Certain horror elements follow familiar patterns that might seem cliché to seasoned horror fans.

Overall, Waktu Maghrib is a solid horror film that uniquely incorporates local folklore. With an engaging concept and well-executed tension, it is a worthwhile watch for horror enthusiasts seeking a chilling tale rooted in Indonesian myths.

The movie is decent at best, the script is about indonesian folk/religion horror, but keeps feeling like horror for teens and brave children, not much more, i cant stop feeling like there is much more potential in this movie, the actors are not bad, specially the children are really good for their age, the direction is impressive, still noticing the lack of experience but is a really promising director with lots of good decitions in the composition; the photograohy is by far the best part, the movie is gorgeous and really nice to see, specially for people from occidental countries were the places and backgrounds look so distant, i enjoyed the movie but as i said, i think it needs more.

Another horror number thats bankng on the remote villages perhaps far in the jungle. Which of course equip with shallow river banks.

Will not spell out the spoilers but the so call ghost are pretty much to heavily make ups. One of the disadvantage when you showing the ghost in a broad daylight.

As everyone knows Ghost thats appear in the absence of the light will make the ghost more scarier. I mean that the point of Ghost right you cant really make it out what it is . Thats Ghost all about right ...

So when you are seeing Ghost in broad day light with every fibre that will only open for criticism .

The other weakness in horror movies is when the Ghost can really talks to you and hold a conversation well perhaps not a parliment debate all together but still Ghost that talks thats completely takes out the element of surprise.