Joko Anwar is an Indonesian writer-director whose reputation precedes his latest title Impetigore. The Satan’s Slaves, Gundala, and The Queen of Black Magic filmmaker screened Impetgore at the Sundance Film Festival 2020 to enthusiastic reviews. His debut film Satan’s Slaves is the country’s highest-grossing horror film ever, so it’s no surprise his fans are excited about his newest offering. Released in May 2020 to its home country, the UK, Canada, and the USA can stream this Asian horror as a Shudder Original.
To begin, I both loved and was slightly disappointed in the opening scenes. Visually, Anwar’s set-up is beautifully orchestrated. Maya and a colleague are talking on their mobile devices as they work their shift in a toll booth. It’s dark and creepy as they each casually talk about men and their clientele.
But Maya has been concerned about one particular repeat driver she’s seen and before long, he again pulls up at her window. When he parks and returns on foot, Maya is reduced to panic-stricken chaos. He asks her questions but seems to know a lot about her. Then, once again he returns to his car to retrieve a machete that would put any other weapons to shame.
Perempuan Tanah Jahanam (Shudder Impetigore Original Film)
The story follows a well-worn narrative. The daughter of some long-ago village returns to discover her family history is shrouded in curses and black magic. It’s been repeated in the press many times that Anwar’s first film is a remake of the 1982 film of the same name. The Impetigore movie also gives frequent nods to many horror movies been done before. Despite the contemporary features like mobile phones, and so on, it still gives you that celluloid movie feeling in its trope-y action sequences. This makes the movie cinematically great but awkward. That’s the only way I can describe it.
Furthermore, the run-time is 104 minutes and this started to feel a little long about halfway through. The flashbacks towards the end seemed especially unnecessary. Either that or ill-placed and only served to take away from the already well-told tale up until that point.
“We don’t want what your family left behind.”
Quote from Impetogore
By the same token, there’s a lot to like about Impetigore. Dini and Maya, the two main characters are wonderful together. The dynamic between the two bounces harmoniously together like blood in a sacrificial bucket. Dini’s dialogue is one part comic relief, one part tough chick-friend. And, more so, anyone would love her by their side in a sinister supernatural event. Also on the plus side, some interesting anecdotes feel unique to this narrative. For example, a scar on Maya’s leg gives way to a rather interesting discovery. The rest of the cast is also excellent in every regard.
Music and Cinematography In Filmmaking
The score and visuals are both something I gave an extra star to in my rating. The cinematographer for Anwar’s Satan’s Slaves, Ical Tanjung, sure knows how to perfect the aesthetic. The use of darkness and imagery making their way into the foreground was something I enjoyed immensely. Everything feels up close and personal and envelopes an impending doom-filled dread.
The storyline flows easily. Some may find it a little predictable but even so, I liked every turn it took. I’ve seen a few larger publications say Impetigore won’t be a film that will be Anwar’s shining star for English-speaking genre fans. However, I was really impressed with this film and likened the village environment to something in between a spider’s lair and the Hostel franchise.
Impetigore is Streaming as a Shudder Original
Joko Anwar’s trademark is to feature a pregnant woman. Each of the movies has them and Impetigore does not escape his stamp. For more information on the movie, see the Facebook Page.
The Impetigore Horror Movie Trailer, Watch Online
- The Impetigore movie cast includes Tara Basro, Ario Bayu, Marissa Anita, Christine Hakim, and Asmara Abigail.
- Directed and written by Joko Anwar.
- Produced by Base Entertainment and Distributed by Shudder.
I give Impetigore
3.5 leather skin puppets out of 5
Impetigore
Director: Joko Anwar
Date Created: 2019-10-17 17:55
3.5
