Suzzanna: Buried Alive (2018) User Reviews

Indonesian Comedy Horror

[Foutainoflife · 6/10 · 6 July 2019]

Suzzanna has just learned she is expecting. Her husband is a successful businessman and has to do some traveling for work when their home is broken into and Suzzanna is killed. She is then turned into a sundel bolong and sets out for revenge.

Let's start with the fact that this is comedy horror. If you are looking for genuine scares you aren't going to find them here. The next thing is to take a look at what a sundel bolong is. A sundel bolong is the soul of a woman who died when she was pregnant. Although she is married in this film, she is usually pregnant outside of marriage and since she has died while pregnant the unborn child has escaped her body by way of a hole in her back. She is recognized by her long white gown and although there is a hole in her back, it is concealed by her long black hair and she is a vengeful spirit.

This was ok. Seeing as how it is comedy horror, there is a bit of cheese to be found here. The story was decent as was the acting. The sets, makeup, costuming and effects were all passable for me. The thing that bugged me most was her laughing. It sounded very much like the laughing you would expect to hear while watching an old Scooby Doo episode.

My takeaway was generally good. This isn't a film that blew me off my feet. It probably didn't have a big budget but I think they did good with what they seemed to be working with. I liked it but I'll probably never watch it again.

It was OK

[LDRmuffin · 7/10 · 2 December 2018]

The make up, costumes, and sets are good. I should gives more thumbs up for the make up to be pretty similar with the late Suzana, although in some close up scenes it doesn't looks that smooth. There are some jokes that cracked me up. Overall I'm quite enjoyed wacthing it BUT the story could be better tho. I just found something missing in this film.

Pretty Awesome! Luna Maya At Her Very Best for SUZANNA!

[assassinnov · 7/10 · 23 May 2019]

For a movie remaking and a tribute to the late legendary queen Suzanna, this film 'Bernapas dalam Kubur' is pretty awesome. Actress Luna Maya did her very best for the character Suzanna which is not easy I guess. Great story line and some disturbing violent scenes alert. Anyway, congrats to the whole movie team, cast and directors. Salam from Singapore.

Suzzanna: Bernapas dalam Kubur: A roll of good luck with Indonesian cinema, ends

[Platypuschow · 3/10 · 6 April 2019]

What a shame, I've been watching a lot of Indonesian cinema lately and though not great they've been consistently watchable. This..........isn't.

It tells the story of a robbery gone wrong, a woman is dead and her spirit returns to haunt those who killed her. Simple concept, awful execution.

I'm not entirely sure what went wrong, yet on the flipside I'm pretty sure the answer is basically...........everything.

The cast were naff, the plot was generic, the script was really quite poor, the tone is inconsistent and the first word I'd use to describe it is boring. I was truly bored to tears which is alarming because stuff does happen, there is plenty to keep you occupied but it's just not all that interesting.

I'd say they dropped the ball but to be fair I'm not sure they had a ball here in the first place.

Indonesia has a fantastic movie industry, this is not an example of it.

The Good:

Not really

The Bad:

Remarkably boring

Not funny enough to be a comedy

Not serious enough to be a horror

Writing contradicts itself

Characters range from dull to annoying

Could have been good..

[rasull-ramad · 7/10 · 3 July 2019]

The production quality is definitely there.. but it fell short in the comedy department. Luna and Herjunot is top notch. The supporting cast is excellent. What didnt quite work is the pacing of the film. the flow is not working. most of the time it feels quite loose. Where there are moments for comedy.. it didnt go all the way. In that sense, the fault lies in the direction. It should have been made more scarier, mysterious, gory.. more of everything and edited tighter. Overall its still watchable. Pengabdi setan is more well put together..

A big disappointment

[Wizard-8 · 3/10 · 21 April 2019]

I'm glad that Netflix gets a lot of offerings from Asia, because there are some really entertaining movies coming out from that part of the world. However, with this particular one, I am not sure why Netflix thought it was picking up, let alone making it a Netflix exclusive movie. The movie is not a complete washout, I admit - it looks okay for what was clearly a pittance of a budget (though occasionally seams show), and has a few interesting ideas. But the execution pretty much botches all of its potential. The movie moves at an incredibly slow pace, made worse that the running time is 125 minutes - there's no way this movie should have been this long or this slow. Viewers who manage to grit their teeth and stick it out will get a little gore and mayhem at the climax, but it's too little and too late. This is one film project that should have been buried.

Suzzanna: Buried Alive

[Tweekums · 7/10 · 4 April 2022]

This Indonesian film is centred on the eponymous Suzzanna. She is married to Satria, the manager of a local factory; they are expecting their first child. While Satria is away on a business trip four disgruntled factory workers break into his house; here they are found by Suzzanna as she returns from an evening out. The confrontation leads to her being seriously injured. Thinking her dead the men start burying her... when they realise she is still alive the continue filling her grave. The next morning Suzzanna wakes in her home but quickly realises something is wrong; the events of the previous night weren't a dream. She is a Sundel Bolong; a vengeful spirit... and she certainly intends to have her revenge on those who killed her!

I thought this film was rather fun. The central story isn't the most original... although Suzzanna was murdered rather than raped by the four assailants I was immediately reminded of 'I Spit on Your Grave' although this is far less mean spirited and far more humorous than that film. I wasn't expecting too many laughs but many were provided; mostly by the trio of servants who don't initially realise their mistress is now a ghost. The exposition is a little heavy handed although without it many viewers, myself included, would be unaware of what a Sundel Bolong was or the rules by which they must act; having read more about them it is clear Suzzanna isn't a typical example but that doesn't affect the film. The acting was interesting; the say the ghostly Suzzanna behaved felt like acting from a silent era film; I can only assume this was deliberate. There are some scary moments but nothing too intense. Overall I'd recommend this to people looking for something a little different.

These comments are based on watching the film in Indonesian with English subtitles.

Horrible and Annoying

[watcher101 · 2/10 · 20 April 2019]

OMG, this has got to be one of the worst movies I ever saw. There was so much stupidity going on that it had me constantly rolling my eyes. It was an interesting idea, using the vengeful spirit plot, but making the story from the spirit's point of view, but they did a horrible job of it. I couldn't even tell when they were trying to be serious or not, and sometimes it almost seemed like they were trying to do a parody, but they weren't. Even the main character was so unlikable and acted so evil sometimes, even to her friends, that there were times I honestly couldn't tell if we were supposed to be rooting for her or the "bad guys". And that ghost laugh. OMG that stupid, annoying ghost laugh was one of the most irritating things about this movie. And all throughout the movie, everyone sort of yadda-yaddas throughout the whole thing, pretty much accepting everything without thought or question. And the ghost didn't even follow its own rules, such as it was stated that she could only scare and show illusion, but not directly harm, but then in another scene she's straight up mutilating someone or manipulating the area telepathically to kill someone. Really, do yourselves a favor and skip this one.

A good combination of horror and comedy...

[paul_haakonsen · 6/10 · 7 July 2020]

Well, this Netflix produced Indonesian movie was something of a mixed stew of genres, with elements of comedy, horror and drama thrown into the melting pot. But it actually worked out well enough, truth be told.

I was familiar with the movie's existence, but haven't gotten around to watching it before 2 years after it was released. There have been so many other movies piled up on the to-watch-list. But finally got around to watching "Suzzanna: Buried Alive" (aka "Suzzanna: Bernapas dalam Kubur") from directors Rocky Soraya and Anggy Umbara.

Turns out that "Suzzanna: Buried Alive" was actually rather enjoyable. Now, I am not overly familiar with Indonesian superstition, so I am not an expert on how their ghost lore is. But hey, the movie was entertaining nonetheless.

The comedy in the movie was good, but not to the point where you are bursting out laughing and having tears trickling down the cheeks. But it was a nice combination with the classic horror for Asian cinema in terms of a ghost story.

I have to say that the storyline was actually quite good, and it was well-written by writers Ferry Lesmana, Bene Dion Rajagukguk and Sunil Soraya. I was quite enjoying the pacing of the movie and the events that transpired on the screen.

Now, with me not being overly familiar with the Indonesian cinema, I must say that it was nice to watch a heap of new faces on the screen. Yeah, I have a thing with watching actors and actresses that I am not overly familiar with on the screen, as they are not associated with previously portrayed characters in other movies.

"Suzzanna: Buried Alive" was actually an enjoyable movie, and if you enjoy a light-hearted Asian horror comedy, then you should take the time to sit down and watch this. I am rating it a six out of ten stars.

DO NOT BOTHER WATCHING

[newemailthisyear · 1/10 · 14 April 2019]

It's so bad. Doesn't make any sense.

Don't bother. Don't bother. Don't bother. Don't bother.

Films that remind of the glory of 80s national films

[bowo_trahutomo · 8/10 · 18 November 2018]

This horror film is not a film that is compared with serious horror films such as MATA BATIN, or MEREKA YANG TAK TERLIHAT, or Jailangkung. This Suzzana film is aimed at selling the nostalgia of the past in 1980 era.

In this movie, setting items ranging from cars, kitchen utensils, extinct President Taxi, all reminded of the past of the 80 era that triumphed with national films.

Honestly, I watched with family because of the star Luna Maya. Then, hope this film evokes memories of the 80th era national comedy horror film. Unfortunately, the director did not use the momentum of smart comedy in the middle of the film. When the helpers left the village due to fear, the acting of Asri Welas and Opi Kumis was actually good. The director should dig deeper into this intelligent situation comedy by exploring the appearance of Suzzana in front of the villagers, for example by buying raw Sate 200 with raw, or appearing to villagers with slapstick comedy cuteness before going back into the serious and scary scenes.

The director is carelesst and less able to take advantage of the spooky and comedy momentum that became the mainstay of Suzzana films and Indonesian horror films in the era of the 80s.

It's pretty scary

[ini_ynti-22457 · 7/10 · 22 July 2019]

Well, I think this movie is pretty scary. I watched it alone via Netflix. But yeah, at first I didn't like the way Luna Maya talked cause her upper lip couldn't move because of the make up. But I still found it pretty scary. The music is awesome.

Slow-moving Indonesian Horror-Comedy Disappoints

[r-shasta · 3/10 · 5 July 2019]

Suzzanna watches her husband Satria, a successful businessman, leave for yet another business trip, right after they learned that she is finally pregnant after years of trying. This joyful opening turns to terror when Suzzanna is murdered during a botched home invasion. Her vengeful spirit lives on, leading to tragedy for all. A familiar revenge plot ensues, with Suzzanna's spirit takes physical form and draws the attention of the superstitious townsfolk. Her spirit mostly hangs out at her house and waits patiently for Satria's return, outwardly unaware that she is dead.

This very leisurely paced Indonesian horror-comedy flick is well photographed with polished production values, but is overlong and presents a silly horror story line with unfunny comic-flavored interludes featuring Suzzanna's house helpers. While Indonesian horror movies have a reputation for being outre and garishly gross, SUZZANNA BURIED ALIVE has few wild sequences. Most of it is mediocre soap opera with a few horror scenes thrown in. As the unfortunate Suzzanna, Luna Maya offers an unfortunately stilted performance in a difficult part, and when portraying the murderous Suzzanna spirit she is unintentionally funny.

Shame

[mramadhina · 4/10 · 4 November 2019]

One thing that good from this movie is how Luna Maya successfully potraits Suzzanna. I could understand maybe the producer/ director want to make this movie as oldie as they can but it just didn't work. The awkwardness, the stiffness make the actors look so bad in acting, which i believe they can do better. The story line is the worst, maybe Suzzanna old movies was not that great but this is 2019, they should adjust with the era.

Best of the best Luna Maya performance

[kellykumoro · 7/10 · 10 December 2018]

One of the best Luna Maya performance, the whole make up and bring Suzanna came to life..whoever The story, like usually, so predictable and not strong,still recommended movie to see though..

The story is good but urghh..

[crystalshower · 7/10 · 25 November 2018]

I think this movie is combination of Horror and Romance. I love movie with pre 00s time and this movie does great.

But there are something which bothering like the blood, it's too much! I'm a forensic scientist and people who stabbed with branch of tree doesn't pour that much blood. And the body flesh sound is urghh.. You can hear it even when they stop spinning their knife over a body.

A Complete Horror Movie Flick

[herman-787-132796 · 8/10 · 22 November 2018]

This movie is on my personal "WATCHLIST" since the 1st time the production house launch a photograph that i tought "SUZANNA" (Indonesia Queen of Horror).Turn out it's photograph of Luna Maya - Indonesian actress (nominated for Indonesia Movie Festival 2007 for movie "Ruang" or "Space"). The story is very simple. Suzanna & Satria has married for 5 years, and when finally Suzanna get pregnant, her husband assigned to Japan for few days for business trip. At the same time some of workers who hold grudge agianst their factory manager (Satria) planned to rob the house while nobody supossed to be at home, but then they caught up in the act by Suzanna.She tried to runaway but then she stabbed by a long sharp bamboo and buried while she is still breathing. To those perperators, Suzanna is dead.But in that house Suzanna is still pretty very much alive and late at night she is haunting those who killed her one by one. I'm quite satisfied with this movie. The duo director succeeded to deliver a horror movie with classic approach - exploited the fear, frustation all the antagonist characters that being haunted by the ghost of Suzanna. This movie didn't give too many jumpscare but it put a balance of drama, thriller and horror in one good symphony.So far i only see 2 minor flaws : 1) the body of Suzanna that already buried about a week it supposed to be already decomposed, but looks like just buried 1 night 2)the time setting is 1980s, but they use 1970s car model, probably is harder to find Suzuki Jimny or Datsun Retro. BUT... generally I like the detail of art direction, the wardrobe,the hairstyle. Room interiors, furnitures. Audiens also can get to know all character that connected to the main character in the story. It succeeded mixed comedy in between the terror from haunting Suzanna. I also give credit to Luna Maya that once again prove her self as a talented actress (she was nominated for BEST ACTRESS at INDONESIA MOVIE FESTIVAL 2007 in movie titled "RUANG" or "ROOM" in English). She really performed naturally as like the late Suzanna (Indonesia Legendary Horror Actor/1942-2008). Her gesture,expression, smile, walk, waving...all as if i see SUZANNA alive again. This is a complete horror movie that should be considered as Indonesia modern cult horror movie. U will get drama, comedy, tragedy in the same package. Rate? 8/10THEY BRING HER BACK TO LIFE

9.5 out of 10!! Best Horror that can match 'The Excorcist' and 'Rosemary Baby'

[kevinextreme21 · 10/10 · 20 November 2018]

I can't still believe that this Movie is so good beyond expectation. the story is strong even though flawed at some point. the acting is good, Luna Maya really do her best and i think this is her best role ever on the screen.

this movie can thrill you down at seat without making jumpscares. and still haunting me not because of the scary suzanna, but it is the tragedy that came to her.

all the set up was perfect.

all in all this is movie that can make you always talk about it.. movie that can make you feels haunted and sad at the same time..

same feeling i had when i watched The Exorcist and Rosemary Baby.

The director done a really good job, Screen play was Good, The Actor was Perfect, all in all this is a must watch for All of Horror Fans out there.

and i consider it as one of the best Indonesian Movie of All Time!!

Very recommended and wajib ditonton !

[nafiah_f · 10/10 · 22 November 2018]

Me and my husband were very excited last time watched Suzzana..We were amazed..Congrats and good luck

this is MASTERPIECE !!!!

[santosokukuh · 10/10 · 7 July 2019]

STORY GREAT COMEDY GREAT GORE GREAT HORROR GREAT

EVERYTHING IN THIS MOVIE ARE AMAZING !!!