Sugar Mill

Honestly, I went in expecting just another horror movie full of cheap jumpscares and loud noises-but Pabrik Gula really surprised me in the best way. Yes, it's creepy, and yes, there are some tense moments, but the real horror lies beneath the surface. It's the kind of fear that lingers, not just because of what you see, but because of what the story makes you feel.

The atmosphere is incredibly well done-the abandoned sugar factory feels like a character on its own. The visuals are eerie without trying too hard, and there's this unsettling silence in some scenes that hits harder than any scream. The pacing is slow-burn but in a good way-it gives you time to absorb the emotions and the growing tension.

The mystery unfolds piece by piece, and I found myself genuinely curious about what happened in the past, not just waiting for the next scare. The emotional weight behind the story makes it feel more personal, like there's a hidden pain that's finally being revealed.

Arbani Yasiz and Ersya Aurelia deliver performances that feel grounded and believable-they're not just reacting to ghosts, they're dealing with fear, guilt, and things left unsaid. That made the experience feel much more human and real.

It's definitely more psychological and emotional than your usual horror flick. If you're looking for a horror film that does more than just make you jump, Pabrik Gula is worth your time. The ending left me chilled, thoughtful, and honestly... a little haunted. In a good way.

Pabrik Gula may carry the look and feel of a horror film, but it's much more than that. With a slow-building tension and eerie visuals, the film still finds room to entertain - largely thanks to Franky and Dwi, the comedic duo who manage to steal scenes without disrupting the overall tone.

Their presence adds warmth and personality, giving the audience time to laugh and reset before diving back into the film's unsettling layers. It's a refreshing approach that adds depth rather than distraction.

In the end, Pabrik Gula is perfect for those who crave both thrills and light-hearted moments. It's not just about fear - it's about the ride, the balance, and the surprises along the way.

For one liner: a good cinematography ruined by bad storyline. I don't know how the scriptwriters wrote the plot (maybe the production house was controlling the creative too much, or just simply they spent too much budget on the artistic points), but even for someone who is too coward to watch horror movies like me, I get annoyed by the storyline.

I did not expect that much before watching this movie, but the storyline seemed getting worse and worse until the end. But the cinematography was good. And the comedy brought by the stand-up comedians was natural and on-point.

Well, just go to the cheaper cinema, laugh a bit and enjoy the too-many jumpscares, to get a good value for your ticket.

Pabrik Gula boldly brings local folklore to the screen, offering a horror story that feels relatable and grounded for Indonesian audiences. While it shares a similar tone with KKN di Desa Penari, it doesn't merely follow a trend-instead, it presents a storyline and message that are easy to grasp. At its core, this film isn't just about scares, but about the power of human goodness. It reminds us that supernatural beings aren't always enemies-they can be challenged by acts of kindness and even coexist with humans when mutual respect is upheld.

What's commendable is the film's clear audience segmentation: rated 17+ for the regular version and 21+ for the uncut. This responsible decision is rare in local horror films and serves as a healthy guide for viewers to choose based on their age.

Although the film received negative reviews, many of them come off as repetitive and overly critical-more like an agenda than fair analysis. When we look at its craftsmanship, cinematography, strong acting performances, and the way it balances horror, drama, and comedy, Pabrik Gula stands as a complete entertainment package.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a film that combines suspense, cultural identity, and refined execution, Pabrik Gula delivers. It's not just a horror movie-it's an experience that merges spirituality, local wisdom, and cinematic storytelling into one impactful narrative.

Pabrik Gula successfully conveys deep social criticism without losing its cinematic aesthetics. Directed with great visual precision, the film depicts the lives of sugar factory workers with a heart-wrenching yet empathetic narrative. The images of old factories, creaking machines, and the harsh working atmosphere are shown not as documentation, but as symbols of an outdated and suffocating system.

One of the film's strengths lies in its ability to capture the stillness and facial expressions of its characters. There is not much dialog, but the expressions and atmosphere are enough to convey emotion and tension. The minimal background music reinforces the impression of silence and the heavy burden of life borne by the characters.

Pabrik Gula is a movie that gives the audience room to reflect. It does not lecture, but shows clearly-through the daily life behind the walls of an old factory-about inequality, injustice, and human resilience in the face of an unfavorable system.