Waktu Maghrib (2023) User Reviews

A Solid- And Creepy- Muslim Children's Horror!

[meddlecore · 7/10 · 3 August 2023]

This Indonesian, Islamic themed, horror film is based off a youtube short of the same name.

And seems to be fashioned as a sort of cautionary tale, for young muslims, in regards to legends that have developed around the tradition that they should not travel outside their house after dusk...unless they are going to mosque for Magrib (evening prayer).

Having been funded by Sky Media, it's not exactly a low budget undertaking.

The production quality here is excellent.

And tends to make up for some of the less solid (slightly exaggerated) acting performances.

However, it must be taken into consideration that this is a children's horror, aimed at a youth market.

Which- as a random white dude- I find to be pretty cool!

As it is a perfect story to encompass the nightmarish anxieties that any young muslim kid might have.

After a brief introduction, we find ourselves following two best friends...one of which is suffering the mental torment, from the perceived results of his actions, after one of his reactive wishes manifests into reality.

That leaves him bearing the burden of guilt.

Which, it is suggested, stems from him breaking the aforementioned taboo.

Thus opening him up to be possessed by dark, and nefarious, spiritual forces.

As a non-muslim westerner...this is honestly not something I would expect to exist.

So colour me pleasantly surprised at how good of a children's horror this really is!

Because I genuinely suspect that it would have freaked me out as a kid.

And, even as an adult, I found it to be highly entertaining...with a mild amount of gore; and some great special effects.

All-in-all, this is a great little film, no matter who you are, or how you look at it.

But I suspect it will hit especially hard with young muslims.

Either way...it's most definitely worth a watch!

6.5 out of 10.

Great photography, promising director bad script.

[alisandrinairis · 6/10 · 18 September 2023]

The movie is decent at best, the script is about indonesian folk/religion horror, but keeps feeling like horror for teens and brave children, not much more, i cant stop feeling like there is much more potential in this movie, the actors are not bad, specially the children are really good for their age, the direction is impressive, still noticing the lack of experience but is a really promising director with lots of good decitions in the composition; the photograohy is by far the best part, the movie is gorgeous and really nice to see, specially for people from occidental countries were the places and backgrounds look so distant, i enjoyed the movie but as i said, i think it needs more.

Good background Bad story

[chinmanhong · 4/10 · 17 November 2023]

The actor's performance is strong and powerful. But the director is not very good at controlling the rhythm of the story, so that the second half of the story makes people sleepy. The sense of division of photography is particularly heavy, and the quality is uneven (some parts can be praised).

As a non-Muslim, the background of this story is very attractive and provides a considerable artistic conception to present the story (small villages isolated from the city, terrible nursery rhyme curses). Unfortunately, the story does not fully appear horrible to audiences. Especially at the ending of the movie, the appearance of ghosts will only make people feel puzzled and funny, and some characters can't play a real role.

Beyond my expectation - Good horror movie

[wlmvie97 · 9/10 · 6 March 2023]

Entering the cinema hall with fewer expectations, but after watching, I changed my mind because this movie was beyond my expectation. I can feel the horror. The horror depends not only on jumpscare but also on the vibes and the people from the village. The opening scene about what happened 30 years ago was connected with all the tragedies in the movie. It was inspired by the short movie "Waktu Maghrib' on Youtube. For Muslims, it was written in the Quran that we are prohibited from going out at dusk. This movie shows the reality that it might happen in real life. The storyline was great, and the plot twist was perfect. The actor and actress embody the character very well.

Gives different vibe of horror

[ulbricht1 · 10/10 · 22 September 2023]

Horror movies have the power to terrify and captivate us in ways that few other genres can. "Waktu Maghrib 2023" not only manages to do this but also brings something refreshingly unique to the table. This film is a remarkable addition to the horror genre, delivering a different type of creepiness and terror that will leave you sleepless for nights.

Set against the backdrop of a quaint, isolated village, "Waktu Maghrib 2023" revolves around a series of mysterious and spine-chilling events that occur during the twilight hours. The film's atmosphere is laden with an eerie sense of foreboding right from the start. The cinematography, lighting, and sound design work in perfect harmony to create an unsettling ambiance that grips you from the very beginning.

One of the standout features of this movie is its ability to draw on cultural and supernatural elements unique to the region, which adds depth and authenticity to the story. The folklore and local legends that are woven into the narrative provide a fresh perspective on the horror genre, introducing audiences to a different kind of fear that's not often explored in mainstream cinema.

The characters in "Waktu Maghrib 2023" are well-developed and relatable, which makes the horror all the more palpable. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, immersing themselves in their roles and effectively conveying the growing sense of dread that envelops the village. The lead character's descent into madness is particularly noteworthy, and the actor's portrayal adds a layer of psychological horror to the film.

The pacing of the movie is deliberately slow, allowing tension to build steadily as the story unfolds. It's not reliant on jump scares, but rather it relies on psychological horror and a sense of impending doom that creeps under your skin. The director takes their time to build a sense of unease, and it pays off handsomely in the final act when the horrors of the village are fully revealed.

Furthermore, the film's visual effects are sparingly used but are exceptionally well-executed. The practical effects and makeup work in tandem to create gruesome and nightmarish scenes that will haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll. The sparing use of CGI enhances the overall authenticity of the horror, making it feel more immediate and real.

In conclusion, "Waktu Maghrib 2023" is a great horror movie that deserves recognition for its ability to offer a different type of creepiness and horror. It successfully blends supernatural elements, psychological terror, and cultural influences to create a hauntingly atmospheric and deeply unsettling cinematic experience. If you're a fan of horror that goes beyond the typical clichés and delivers something fresh and genuinely frightening, "Waktu Maghrib 2023" is a must-see. Just be prepared to sleep with the lights on for a while after watching it.