MOVIE REVIEW
Dancing Village: The Curse Begins (Badarawuhi Di Desa Penari)
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 2h 2m
Director(s): Kimo Stamboel
Writer(s): Lele Laila
Cast: Aulia Sarah, Maudy Effrosina, Jourdy Pranata, Moh. Iqbal Sulaiman, Ardit Erwandha, Claresta Taufan, Diding Boneng, Aming Sugandhi, Dinda Kanyadewi, Pipien Putri, Maryam Supraba, Bimasena, Putri Permata, Baiq Vania Estiningtyas Sagita, Baiq Nathania Elvaretta
Where To Watch: released in select theaters in the US on April 26, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: DANCING VILLAGE: THE CURSE BEGINS stands out by offering a solid visual and auditory experience that sets new standards for Indonesian cinema. Under the direction of Kimo Stamboel and an impressive ensemble cast, this prequel to KKN DI DESA PENARI aims to outshine its predecessor, which was the highest-grossing Indonesian film in history when it was released in 2022.

In DANCING VILLAGE, the eerie Penari Village becomes a character in its own right; the shadows, sounds, and otherworldly visuals create an ambiance that helps to balance the film in a unique position. Siblings Mila and Yuda, brought to life by Maudy Effrosina and Jourdy Pranata, return to their ancestral home, aiming to cure their mother's mysterious ailment. However, their journey quickly becomes a confrontation with the village's haunted past and the ghostly presence of Badarawuhi, intermixed with the unknown and their family's dark secrets.

The film's pacing is a marked departure from the more slow-burn sequel. Instead, it opts for a tightly wound narrative that hooks viewers with psychological visuals and a lingering dread. This tempo deliberately keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, transitioning from simple horror to a more intricate dance with the supernatural and mental gymnastics that keep you guessing.

DANCING VILLAGE occasionally trips over its ambitious plot, which, while brimming with potential, the film occasionally drifts into a deeper exploration of certain aspects and leaves pivotal aspects of Badarawuhi's backstory in the shadows. This focus steals a little of the thunder from what could be a fully fleshed-out mythos of Penari Village.

The film has garnered accolades for its technical aspects, especially the authentic depiction of village life and its mystical elements. The set design and focus on an authentic look to the film bring every detail to life, drawing the viewer deeper into the film’s world.

The films highlight, without a doubt, the beautiful performances they genuinely shine, particularly Effrosina’s portrayal of Mila. Yet, sometimes, the script seems almost to be working against the cast, constraining their performances within the bounds of its narrative limitations. You can feel yourself reaching for a deeper examination of who and why these characters are and the world they’re living in.

DANCING VILLAGE: THE CURSE BEGINS offers viewers an evolution in the landscape of Indonesian horror films. It builds upon the groundwork laid by the “sequel” film and paves the way for deeper exploration into the chilling mysteries of Penari Village. If future sequels are green-lit, they will benefit from a sharpening of character arcs and a more detailed and focused plot, potentially elevating the emotional and psychological stakes of the narrative. Despite the film's flaws, this installment lays a promising groundwork for future stories within this fantastical world, hinting at more journeys in the dark corners of the village and beyond, waiting to be unearthed.

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