A Ghost Story With a Twist

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MOVIE REVIEW
Lampir: The Immortal Witch
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Genre: Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 34m
Director(s): Kenny Gulardi
Writer(s): Kenny Gulardi, Gandhi Fernando
Cast: Jolene Marie, Rory Asyari, Gandhi Fernando, Ge Pamungkas, Ardina Rasti, Hana Saraswati
Language: Indonesian with English subtitles
Where To Watch: showing at the 2024 Philadelphia Unnamed Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: Kenny Gulardi’s dive into the horror genre with LAMPIR: THE IMMORTAL WITCH melds traditional horror elements with a unique spin on Indonesian folklore. The film begins by showcasing Wendy's (Jolene Marie) nightmarish visions on the brink of her wedding. As the narrative unfolds, it descends into some familiar territory, echoing classic horror tropes while attempting to be a creation of its own.

LAMPIR: THE IMMORTAL WITCH opens with an unsettling premise, transforming a supposed joyous pre-wedding celebration into a frightful ordeal. The grand villa serves as a sinister playground for the haunting of Mak Lampir, an entity consumed by an insatiable desire for eternal beauty. This specter, shrouded in mystery and myths, promises to infuse the storyline with a chilling layer of cultural lore but ultimately gets lost in the screenplay’s shift towards more generic thriller components.

As Wendy and her friends confront their darkest fears, the film illustrates the strain on their relationships under supernatural stress. Yet, the evolution of these personal dynamics seems truncated, leaving the viewer craving a more robust emotional engagement from the characters. Notably, performances by Gandhi Fernando as Roby and Ge Pamungkas’ Rizki stand out, giving the film fleeting moments of intense character-driven drama. Ardina Rasti’s portrayal of Agnes adds a necessary gravitas that somewhat anchors the fluctuating narrative.

From a visual standpoint, LAMPIR: THE IMMORTAL WITCH aims to captivate with its gothic tones and intriguing cinematography that nod to the heritage of horror filmmaking. Some of the film's CGI and effects are well done, while others struggle a bit, being the main focus of the moment. Additionally, the film demonstrates ambition with confident directorial choices and scene compositions that hint at a larger cinematic vision.

One of the narrative high points is the climax, which, despite its predictability, attempts to reclaim some of the mystical elements initially set in the story. This belated twist brings a semblance of closure to the supernatural promises made early on. There could have been a greater focus, although I’m not as familiar with Indonesian filmmaking, so this may be more par for the course.

Perhaps the most poignant shortfall of LAMPIR: THE IMMORTAL WITCH is its underwhelming utilization of its main antagonist, Mak Lampir. The character, ripe with potential for becoming a memorable horror icon, is reduced to fleeting glimpses and underdeveloped motives, making it feel more like an afterthought than a true harbinger of terror. This leaves me crossed because I often am quoted as saying you don’t always need to “see the scary,” yet in this case, I was left wanting more.

In conclusion, while LAMPIR: THE IMMORTAL WITCH carves out a niche among fans of Indonesian horror and those with a soft spot for genre traditions, more is needed to satisfy those looking for a groundbreaking film in horror. The film struggles to deliver a consistently engaging and terrifying experience, leaving it as a mixed bag of horror tropes with potential for a deeper dive.

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[photo courtesy of CREATOR PICTURES, SINERGI PICTURES, VISION+]

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