The Corpse Washer

The Corpse Washer follows familiar tropes and ideas but introduces some unique elements and social commentary. Lela, a young mortician, is unhappy with her life and the work she inherited from her family, especially since her mother insists on keeping it as a tradition. After her mother suddenly dies, Lela notices something odd about her body while washing it, unraveling secrets from the past with dire consequences.

The premise is simple yet intriguing, featuring some interesting elements. Lela and the other characters are mostly likable, and the actors deliver commendable performances. The acting is a bit uneven at times, especially from minor characters, but it's not too distracting.

The film heavily relies on jump scares and rarely takes the time to build a tense atmosphere. Instead, it bombards viewers with scary faces and loud noises. To its credit, the makeup and effects are well done, preventing it from feeling like a low-budget jumpscare fest. However, the movie doesn't fully reach its potential and could have been more engaging.

It's a decent watch, with a reasonable 107-minute runtime, so you won't feel like you've wasted over two hours if it doesn't fully click for you. If you enjoy Indonesian cinema, especially horror, you might want to give it a try, though it's unlikely to leave a lasting impression. [5,6/10]

The problem with Indonesian and Hollywood horror is their over-dependence on ineffective, predictable jump scares. Atmospheric horror is something the Indonesian have always failed to execute, despite the country's rich cultural tradition and beautiful landscapes.

The lazy use of conventional camera angles is almost as disappointing as the wheat flour on the ghosts. It is almost as if the film-makers aren't horror fans at all.

Story-wise, from the get go it was a bit too obvious, with the nosey ladies bickering over widowhood. Lela being tasked with cleaning the corpse completely unaided also does not reflect the reality of a typical Southeast Asian village-what happened to fardhu kifayah and gotong-royong? There's always that one monosyllabic, antisocial guy/gal to inject a feeling of mystery, and I'm really really tired of seeing this.

The only fresh element is how the evil spirits were portrayed to seem unfazed by the quranic verses and loud chanting of the mourners; a trope more commonly seen in western horror films. I imagine this would create some form of controversy among the more conservative audiences in places like Malaysia.

At least Indonesia is moving away from softcore porno in their horror films.

Another disappointment, unfortunately.

Its predictable plot and clichéd elements. While lacking originality, it is also comes with typical jump scares, try to creating an eerie atmosphere. Performances are decent, but the dialogue feels unnatural. Despite its flaws, it delivers passable horror entertainment for those seeking straightforward thrills.

The cinematography enhances the ominous atmosphere, though the characters and dialogue fall into familiar territory. Overall, it's an okay choice for a movie night at home.

It you are looking for mind bended or unique storyline, then this is not the movie you are looking for. The lack of suspense is quite disappointing.

"Pemandi Jenazah" (The Gravedigger's Wife) is an Indonesian horror film that explores themes of grief, guilt, and the supernatural. The film centers around a young woman named Nova who, after the tragic death of her husband, takes over his job as a gravedigger to support her family.

Strengths: * Atmospheric and Eerie: The film effectively creates a chilling atmosphere through its use of sound design, lighting, and a haunting score. The isolated setting of the graveyard and the eerie rituals associated with death contribute to the overall sense of dread.

* Strong Performances: The lead actress delivers a compelling performance, conveying Nova's grief, resilience, and growing fear convincingly.

* Exploration of Grief and Trauma: The film delves into the complexities of grief and the psychological impact of trauma on its protagonist. Nova's struggles with guilt and the lingering presence of her deceased husband provide a poignant and emotionally resonant core to the narrative.

Weaknesses: * Predictable Plot: While the atmosphere is well-established, the plot itself may feel somewhat predictable to seasoned horror fans. The supernatural elements, while effective in creating suspense, might not offer significant surprises.

* Reliance on Jump Scares: The film relies heavily on jump scares for its scares, which can feel repetitive and detract from the more nuanced psychological horror elements.

* Pacing Issues: The pacing can feel uneven at times, with some scenes dragging while others feel rushed.

Overall: "Pemandi Jenazah" is a decent Indonesian horror film that effectively utilizes atmosphere and strong performances to create a chilling experience. While the plot may be somewhat predictable and the reliance on jump scares can be excessive, the film's exploration of grief and trauma provides a compelling emotional core. It's worth watching for fans of atmospheric horror and those interested in Indonesian cinema.

To be honest, I did not fear this movie at all and the story was also useless and I could not understand anything in the end. We can make a theory but it is a boring film. Only children of 5-9 years of age will dare to watch this film. So If you want, you can watch it and spend your money. Money is no big deal but it would not be a waste of our time. It is nothing very special but it seemed like a movie to me. I was useless, brother. If you look at it, it will be good and yes, some other scans in the background were good but also, if I felt like it was a low budget, I could have made them good but.