Vina: Before 7 Days

In Vina: Before 7 Days, the grim reality of a true crime story from Indonesia is brought to the screen with a chilling blend of horror and tragedy. The film begins with the unsettling discovery of two bodies by the roadside, initially presumed to be victims of a traffic accident. The deceased are Vina, a 16-year-old girl, and her friend Eky. However, the horrific state of Vina's body quickly casts doubt on the accident theory. Witnesses report her body being mutilated beyond recognition, with unnatural cuts and broken limbs that suggest a more sinister cause of death.

Vina's family, unable to accept the official narrative, becomes haunted by the incongruities surrounding her demise. Their grief and suspicion drive the story forward, as they notice the unnatural injuries on her body-cuts and breaks inconsistent with those from a typical vehicle accident.

As a Malaysian unfamiliar with this case that shook Indonesia, I found myself deeply disturbed by the fact that these events are based on true stories. The climax of the film, occurring on the sixth day after Vina's death, involves a possession that reveals the horrifying truth. Linda, Vina's friend, becomes possessed by Vina's spirit, providing a conduit for the deceased to communicate and unravel the mystery surrounding her death.

The inclusion of real recordings of Vina's spirit allegedly possessing Linda at the end of the film adds a layer of authenticity and discomfort, reminding the audience that these events, as sensational as they seem, are rooted in reality. This element is particularly disturbing, as it underscores the fact that such tragic and violent events have real-life counterparts.

The retelling of this story is notably commercial, designed to be easily understood by a wide audience. The filmmakers have managed to balance the need for mass appeal with the seriousness of the subject matter, creating a narrative that is both accessible and profoundly impactful. The ghostly apparitions and jump scares predominantly target the antagonist, symbolizing his overwhelming guilt and internal torment. These moments serve not merely to frighten but to underscore the psychological horror of living with one's misdeeds.

By dramatizing these events, Vina: Before 7 Days rekindles public interest in finding the true perpetrators, urging viewers to look beyond the surface and question deeper truths. It serves as a poignant reminder of the pain and suffering behind real-life tragedies, compelling us to seek justice and truth.

In conclusion, Vina: Before 7 Days is more than just a horror film; it is a sobering reflection on the nature of violence, justice, and the human capacity for both cruelty and resilience. As we are drawn into Vina's tragic story, we are reminded of the real lives impacted by such events. May Vina's soul find peace, and may the truth, however elusive, eventually come to light.