DreadOut (2019) User Reviews

Could be great!

[anonim_id · 6/10 · 6 January 2019]

I don't play the game even i have it years on steam so i write this review pure as regular viewer.

Ok was this movie good? personally i love all the scenes, the casts, the visual effect is top notch but somehow i don't feel any horror vibe of it, yes i heard some viewers scream and even some of them cover their faces on some scenes but then i realize that those viewers are came from the late generation or so-called "Kids Zaman Now" so my best guest is that this movie is targeting wider audience but not for hardcore type horror fans so i think it's understandable why this movie is take the safe path.

Do i recommend it?

Yes if you are not a hardcore type horror fans or if you just want to spend time with friends and enjoy horror movie with great scenes, seriously the visual effects is really good!.

No if you are already seen to much horror movies out there and i really don't recommend it if you are kind of people that know history and have a lot of references about Sunda and Java culture.

One more thing, i couldn't understand why this movie is rated 17+, in my opinion this movie should be rated 13+.

A bit disappointing

[reyhanvivaldi · 4/10 · 5 January 2019]

This could be a great "horror" movie IF there wasn't a lot of "jokes", the actors swears a lot and I know that's not supposed to be funny but the audiences were laughing everytime the actors sweared, that's annoying for horror films. Secondly, sometimes when it's a tense scene, the light is too bright, so we couldn't feel the "horror". Thirdly, the CGI is bad, it's more like in the 90s. The writers should know more what the flashlight is for. I give this 4 outta 10 because the story line is good, they made the ghosts well and chose great casts. Honestly, I didn't terrified while watching this movie, I had no jumpscares, no goosebumps.

failed cinematography

[brokenboiz · 5/10 · 4 January 2019]

Good sound, awsome visual effect, popular teen fanbased casting and sadly bad cinematography. seriously Kimo, i think your sinematography doesnt suit with this genre or maybe you must play the game first before understand what the point of using flashlight as a weapon on this movie game based.

Bad acting

[h-herlambang · 2/10 · 6 January 2019]

The movie would have been great if it weren't ruined by bad acting from some of the supporting actors (Cicio manasero & Irsyadillah) who apparently was too superficial which any viewers can see through the bad acting. The plot and story lines was quite decent, but the director just couldn't put it into the perfect frame. I give 1 star for the story and another 1 star for the leading actress (Caitlin Halderman) whom I thought was the one thing that made me stick watching till the end.

Good FX and Makeup, Bad acting and execution

[sloppydope · 4/10 · 12 April 2019]

This movie just waste its story potential. I can't stand the acting from all of the cast, except Mike Lucock (he's a decent one here). The pacing is so messy, the execution is blurry outta nowhere. Plot holes. But, the thing I like the special effects (tho it's not that perfect) and the makeup of all of the ghosts in the movie. That's it. Cinematography just average good. This movie dissapoints me.

Seriously Kimo??

[felixnefa · 3/10 · 23 June 2021]

This movie is in the completely different class from other Kimo Stamboel's movie. The sound, cinematography, special effects, makeup and other filmographies are OK. However, the story, script, and plot are so so so terrible that it looks like they are made by junior highschool student for class project.

An Enjoyable Romp Through A Dark Fantasy... But Could Have Been Better...

[P3n-E-W1s3 · 7/10 · 18 August 2019]

Oh Hell Yeah!

Just when the horror genre appears somewhat stale and stagnant a film like this is what's required. I'm not saying this is a brilliant movie, far from it, but it's a leap in the right direction.

So you get the obligatory horror opening sequence, which lets you know what happened in the apartment block. Though, I think this would have been better revealed slowly through the film and story. But hey, we're a now, Now, NOW, society as this movie actually illustrates. So we are witnesses to a kind of exorcism. Though, as we progress you become more unsure of what they were trying to exorcise. In the present day, a group of school kids decide to enter the rundown and abandoned building. They want to "live-stream" their spooky adventures and boost their likes. Though once in the building things start to go wrong when they find some ancient papers. One of which contains the spell to open the portal to the other realm.

Now here's the thing, the writer-director, Kimo Stamboel is a little too vague as to where the portal opens too. For me, it looks like the land of the dead. Where some form of witches or daemons resides. Clarifying these points would have made for a stronger story and film. All the daemon or witch requires is her Kriss back. Why? What's so important about the dagger? Again, unanswered. I like mysteries though a few suggestions towards the answers would have made for a stronger story.

Another drawback is the characters. They are quite stereotypical. The perfect girl and her friend. The hunk. The fool or joker of the pack. The quiet nerdy one. And the shy girl heroine who finds the strength to become their saviour. Each of these is portrayed well by the actors and actresses. However, more activity between them to build relationships wouldn't have gone amiss. At times, they feel like they're standing still waiting for somebody to say their lines before they can move. This adds a stiltedness to the film.

Well, that reads like I don't want you to watch this film. Nothing could be further from the truth. You're just forearmed.

What Stamboel gives you is a great romp through this darker realm. I liked the way one of the Daemons or Witches uses the Perfect girl like a doll. She hovers her in midair as she brushes her hair and changes her clothes. To these beings, we are little more than playthings. It's an eerie sight but progresses into a nice action sequence. Then there's the escape sequence towards the end of the film where everybody gets thrown about... and, boy, do they get thrown.

The best part of this for me though is the girls. No matter what happens the phones never stop filming. These women know how to make a movie - not like the snot-sniveller in Blair Witch.

One of the better ideas within the story was the use of the camera's flash. I will have to ask, however, what phone does she have because that battery life is freaking awesome. Not only is it recording most of the time it also uses the flash over a hundred times. Though the scenes are exciting and keep you from noticing this until later in the story. Another idea would have been to have the nerd-guy carry a couple or three power-banks.

This is a breath of fresh air in a stagnating pool of horror. If you would like something different in your horror sandwich then I would highly recommend this slice film. Though it could have been stronger and better scripted what you have is a decent and enjoyable movie. And being totally honest, I will probably watch this film again... it may even make it onto my Guilty Pleasures list.

I just hope that in the next film by Stamboel the subject matter is rendered a bit fuller and the directing shows the imagination his writing does.

Pointless.

[pasaribuharisfadli · 4/10 · 3 January 2019]

Incoherent. Failed logic. Plot holes. Annoying one note characters. Essentially it suffers from every sins of bad writing.

Great set, bad story

[anneeessy · 3/10 · 9 January 2019]

I came to the cinema after seen many bad reviews bout this movie. I really didn't expect much, thought what could go wrong? How bad this could go? And it turns out worse. Really, this is a disgrace to Mo Brothers name. I knew the game, played it once, so I'm familiar with the story and this movie ruins it all. Too many plotholes I lost counting, there's no back story to each characters, there's no premise, no development, no origin, they just put it there, wrapped it out with beautifful scenery, awesome make-up and great CGI. I feel that this movie seems doesn't know what it wants to tell. It's going back and forth without purpose. Ironically, the one thing I enjoy was the comedy eventough it's supposed to be a horror movie. Mike (kang Heri) is such a comic relief and did a great acting, while others even they're such a good actors/actress, they kind of annoying and I barely remember their character except the main role. Honestly, i never reviewed a movie this bad since Twilight. And Always appreciate locals. But this is really disappoint me. So...thank you, next.

Creepy and enjoyable if somewhat flawed Indonesian shocker

[kannibalcorpsegrinder · 10/10 · 30 July 2019]

Attempting to attract more followers, a group of friends decides to break into a supposedly haunted local apartment to live stream them searching a haunted building, but when they realize they've inadvertently opened a doorway to guardians from another dimension they try to fight the deadly beings.

This one ended up being a spectacular overall effort. One of the film's best aspects is the strong storyline setup that's in play here. The idea of the game that's played here and the rules that are featured here in regards to what they have to play with. The scene in the room where they initially come into contact with it that generates the rules of what they've unleashed where they've accessed the spirit world without their intent. Following up their return trip where they learn they've unleashed the portal and brought them into the world, this being combated by their social media provides a solid twist that keeps this one quite enjoyable. On top of that, the film's focus on the teens who are obsessed with such social media, constantly worrying about followers and being at the top of the class in terms of popularity with their feeds strikes a fine topical cord. That their need to be perceived as popular or even just using their devices to stay up-to-date on the news around them is a great touch and manages to make it believable that they would eventually feel the need to get involved with the game in the first place. As well as the supernatural action, the film manages a lot to like with the stellar supernatural work at play. This starts with a vengeance featuring the group in their apartment trying to use the game to help their possessed friend that gets this one started strongly. Likewise, the film works with the few modernized touches that integrate the ghostly action into that setting, from the freaky occurrences during the live stream before it turns sideways or their attempts to investigate the building that results in some jump-scares by being shown through the camera of their phones. Once they leave the building, the various battles with the supernatural creatures that have been unleashed offer up some gripping sequences featuring the team coming into contact with the various spirits in both the real world and the spiritual dimension. From there, the film scores so well with the unleashed supernatural beings coming for them. The scenes in the abandoned building where they investigate the history of the artifacts in the room, from the designs on the floor to the mystical parchment that no one else can read but the one who finds it. The mysteriousness of their surroundings, the supernatural influence on the actions of the group and the terrifying actions that arise that signal the group has unleashed something in the scene is a fantastic viewpoint of their ordeal to come and showcases that something's going on. Their trip to the supernatural world and being tormented by the otherworldly beings is exceptionally chilling and the eventual escape is a stellar sequence while the one loner left in the spiritual dimension confronts the murderous spirit in one of the creepiest scenes in the film as she walks through the various trinkets and objects left around where she finally sees the creature. Combined with the stellar make-up work on the possessed individuals and some shocking gore, there's quite a lot to like here. There's not much to dislike here, which mainly stems from the overall lack of explanation for anything going on which makes it seems pretty confusing and troubled overall. However, that's all that holds this one back.

Rated Unrated/R: Graphic Violence and Graphic Language.

Visually astounding, but lacking proper storyline and script...

[paul_haakonsen · 3/10 · 7 March 2021]

I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to sit down to watch the 2019 Indonesian horror movie "DreadOut". And I must admit that I was looking forward to watching it, as the movie's cover/poster definitely looked interesting. Sure, I hadn't even heard about the movie prior to sitting down to watch it. But it being a horror movie was all I needed.

And well, the term horror is one that you should casually glance at here, because "DreadOut" wasn't a scary movie. Maybe if you are a teenager in Indonesia, then "DreadOut" is scary. But for a seasoned horror veteran such as myself, then this was a mere stroll in the park. In fact, "DreadOut" was a rather mundane and boring movie actually.

Why is that you might wonder? Well, first of all, the storyline was just laughably simplistic and downright stupid. In fact, there were so many things in the storyline - or whatever atrocious thing this was supposed to resemble a storyline. Most of the events in the movie just felt random and put into the movie at the whim of a whimsical director. It felt like writer and director Kimo Stamboel didn't really have a script to work from and just made things up as the filming progressed. The movie lacked a red thread and had little to no continuity.

Then there was the acting performances. Well, let's just say bless the actors and actresses for participating in this heap of a movie, and trying to make something work out of the rubbish they had to work with.

Visually, then this is where "DreadOut" worked. The visual effects and CGI in the movie were actually really great. I liked that quite a lot, but special effects can only do so much for a movie that has virtually no script or storyline. But I will say that if you do get the opportunity to watch "DreadOut", do it for the special effects.

My rating of the 2019 movie "DreadOut" settles on a mere three out of ten stars. This is by no means a horror movie that I will be returning to watch for a second time. And it is not even remotely close to being near the top of the shelf when it comes to horror movies made in Indonesia. I found out that there is a sequel to this 2019 movie, and I can't really say that I am in a particular rush to go out there and find a copy to watch.

Bad bad movies

[bebychipmunk · 1/10 · 25 October 2020]

I don't understand the plot, all the scene are messy. Only the make up look realest in this movie. But all of it is fckng mess, stupid and wasting my time. I'm so sorry

The Director need to consider to choose correct player

[rdamanbmi · 4/10 · 9 August 2020]

The players fail to represent the movie, very good opening, but the rest are fail for me

The acting is lame and too dramatic

[StephenChains · 2/10 · 27 February 2020]

This movie made me really angry instead of entertaining. The acting made me really furious like what are you doing? why you just standing and watching. The effects were great but the acting meh. I stopped watch half of the movie.

Insults the source material , weak characters, but good visuals and gore.

[furunama · 5/10 · 1 April 2024]

The film adaptation of DreadOut deviates significantly from its source material, opting for a regular horror story rather than effectively translating the game's core elements to the screen. The filmmakers' decision to stray too far from the original material is questionable, as the game's plot could have been adapted more faithfully. While the cinematography effectively creates isolated and unsettling environments, the weak characterization undermines the film. Linda's portrayal lacks the stoicism and focus that define her bravery and toughness in the game, with excessive dialogue undermining her character. The overuse of comic relief characters detracts from the overall experience, becoming more annoying than funny. The scare factor suffers from the presence of the big boss being visible from the beginning and an inconsistent tone that hampers the atmosphere. However, there are nods to the original source material, such as the pocong holding a sickle, and the gore effects, directed by the creator of Macabre, are commendable.

not as good as the game

[exanxzan · 3/10 · 28 February 2024]

This film is an adaptation of a game with the same title. DreadOut is one of the best Indonesian games I have ever played. I had high expectations for this film and ended up disappointed. Poor acting, bad sound, mid visuals, and most importantly, the story is completely different from the plot in the game. The film also somehow gives spoilers about DreadOut 2 game even though it has no connection to the story at all. The story is too simple and very different from the complex and intricate story in the game. I'm disappointed with Kimo Stamboel. He is one of my favorite Indonesian directors, but this film was disappointing.

Classic Horror and good sound effect

[psengyip · 9/10 · 19 June 2021]

Very good sound effect even only 5.1CH audio and the horror classic and make up look very real and natural. Compare to others horror movies. Indonesian always can achieve better in terms of horror.

Ouchhh

[nottfreyja · 3/10 · 26 March 2023]

Just watched it out of sheer curiosity. I haven't play the game but seen the synopsis I guess it's like Fatal Frame.

Anyway, I've already watched a lots of horrors movies including another Kimo's movie titled "Ivanna".

Honestly, the actings sucks especially for "Alex" (way too much over dramatic) a looking tough thugs wannabe but ended only just become a people that swears a lot (that's really sucks). "Beni" sometimes good, but sometimes a little bit too over dramatic too. Scene feels too jumpy. The story just so so. I've been wondering what is the blitz used for? The MC's recording with the flashlight and it's OK for the ghost, but when she blitz the ghost died (it's the same source of light, right? So why?). The background story explained almost nothing (just a glimpse and I can already guess the story line)

Caitlin's act helped the movie, visual was good, make ups also great (love the ghost makeups), symbols on the floor and music usage was somewhat good too.

So sorry to say, but it's not that good for me.

MOVIES ABOUT PORTALS OF THE OCCULT WORLD

[akhidavid · 9/10 · 7 July 2021]

Some moral messages that I get from this film :

1. School while working can help parents financially as well as train discipline.

2. Do not carelessly visit places, especially those that are forbidden to visit.

3. Every place has its inhabitants, both living beings and other creatures. Therefore, take care of your behavior and do not carelessly do actions that we will not know the consequences.

4. Get rid of fear, face the real reality, and be brave.

5. Loyal friends are when you and your friends are either happy or sad always together.

May be useful =)

What is this??

[cheshirekittypoop · 1 February 2021]

I just want to preface this by saying that I've never watched this movie, and I won't. I've also never had an IMDb account or made a review before until now, because that's how much I'm nauseated by this. You can call me a purist or snob all you want, that's fine. But....BUT....This is going on a long list of Video Game-to-Film movies that are bad. I'm tired of people basing their movies off of previous existing content, completely changing the story, and then expecting people to like it.

TLDR: The movie plot is nothing like the game series it's based on, and the games' story is WAY BETTER. Just imagine the way Avatar The Last Airbender fans cringed when they thought of the movie based on the series, and that's how this would make any DreadOut fan feel.

DreadOut is one of my favorite horror game series I've played (yes I'm well aware of the existence of Silent Hill games, Resident Evil, and whatnot). Let it be known that I'm about to spoil the plot for the series for anyone who cares, but it's important to my point I'm making. It's a great story about a class of students who are tricked into traveling to this cursed town (almost like it's trapped in a pocket dimension belonging to the dead), where the teacher secretly made a pact with nyi blorong (snake demon lady, look it up on the internet) to sacrifice the students so she can become a god and she already has crazy ghost/demon summoning powers. In the first game, all the students except for Linda get abducted by malevolent spirits (a beautiful showcase of various scary spooks from indonesian/malaysian/thai culture), and either get killed or possessed. Linda, in a game style similar to fatal frame, has to use her wits and eventual discovered exorcising powers and cell phone to escape. In the end of game 1, she does escape the school but you're left with many questions about what happens afterwards.

In DreadOut Keepers of the Dark is not really a full sequel, but gives some interesting background information about Lady Siska (the teacher/antagonist) and Linda's connection while delivering more scary spook bosses. It shows Linda still trying to escape from the evil magic from game 1, and if you beat the final boss you find out how she finally does rather than the cliffhanger ending from game 1.

In DreadOut 2, we find out that after Linda escaped the cursed town, she returned to her normal life and attempted to go back to school. But she found that she continued to be haunted by horrifying visions and having to fight off malevolent spirits/demons, as well as anyone else around her becoming possessed or attacked. She becomes a feared/hated pariah as the people around her blame her for the disappearance of her classmates (assuming she killed them, including the "missing" teacher). While Linda struggles to maintain her sanity and just trying to survive, through a series of events (once again connected to Siska) she discovers some dark secrets about her past, her childhood, and the truth about her exorcising gifts and destiny. Without going into the WHOLE spiel of that, basically she once again has to fight a whole showcase of cool spooks again, kicks some serious butt, and hunts down Siska to avenge her classmates and stop her evil plans once and for all. She slaps Siska back to last week, and even though she will never fully be free from being haunted by spirits, she can finally find peace knowing her friends souls are free and she's not being hunted by a crazy witch lady.

NOW THEN, doesn't this sound WAY MORE AWESOME than a stupid plot about teenagers wanting to get popular on the internet, and break into an apartment to do so?