IN Badarawuhi di Desa Penari (Dancing Village: The Curse Begins), viewers are treated to a cinematic dance of drama, mysticism and a sprinkling of horror.
Directed by Kimo Stamboel and penned by Lele Laila, the Indonesian film features an ensemble cast that brings to life the chilling tale adapted from SimpleMan’s novel. While the plot shines with its intricate narrative, the horror elements seem to take a backseat, making this film more for fans of psychological thrillers rather than those of straight-out horror genre.
Enigmatic being
The movie’s plot unfolds in the quaint Penari Village, where four adventurous souls Mila (Maudy Effrosina), Yuda (Jourdy Pranata), Jito (M. Iqbal Sulaiman), and Arya (Ardit Erwandha) goes on a mission shrouded in mystery. Their journey leads them to encounter the enigmatic Badarawuhi (Aulia Sarah), a mythical being with a penchant for dance and a sinister agenda.
As the narrative weaves through a series of mystical events, rituals and tests, viewers are drawn into a world where folklore meets reality, and the past intertwines with the present.
The storyline is compelling, offering a rich set of characters and subplots that keep audiences engaged from start to finish. Aulia’s portrayal of Badarawuhi is captivating, adding depth and intrigue to the character. The ensemble cast delivers commendable performances, with each actor bringing their unique flair to the screen.
More dance than fright
While the plot of the film is undeniably its strongest asset, the horror elements fall somewhat short of expectations. The film relies heavily on atmospheric tension and eerie visuals rather than genuine scares, making it more of a supernatural drama than a bone-chilling horror flick.
That being said, the film does excel in capturing the fluidity of dance and incorporating it into its narrative. The dance sequences are beautifully choreographed, adding a sense of elegance and grace to the film. This fluidity, combined with the film’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting soundtrack, creates a mesmerising visual experience that is both captivating and unsettling.
The plot thickens
Despite its shortcomings in the horror department, this is a film that deserves to be watched, albeit with the right mindset. If one is looking for a movie that delivers on plot, character development, and narrative complexity, this film ticks all the boxes. However, if the audience is expecting a relentless barrage of scares and heart-stopping moments, they may be disappointed.
Badarawuhi di Desa Penari is a horror film that has an intricate and well-crafted narrative but falls somewhat short in spine-chilling horror sequences. It is a movie that should be enjoyed for its storytelling prowess rather than its ability to induce screams. Fear not, just settle in and prepare to be enthralled by a tale that dances its way into your inner psyche.
Badarawuhi di Desa Penari is in cinemas now.
DIRECTOR: Kimo Stamboel
CAST: Maudy Effrosina, Aulia Sarah, Jourdy Pranata, Ardit Erwandha, M. Iqbal Sulaiman
E-VALUE: 6
ACTING: 7
PLOT: 6
