PopHorror Let's Get Scared
The thought that if you die in your dreams you die in real life is something that has frequently been seen in various media, most famously in the A Nightmare on Elm Street series. The latest film to use this is Soul Reaper, which filters it through an Indonesian Folk Horror lens, to great effect.
Synopsis
Nightmares of violent deaths torment Respati—until he realizes they’re not just dreams. As the horrifying visions start manifesting in reality, he scrambles to stop the next tragedies before they happen. With his friends by his side, Respati delves into the dark mystery behind his cursed dreams, uncovering a sinister force at play. In SOUL REAPER, fate is written in nightmares, and waking up might not be enough to escape death
Directed by Sidharta Tata (Quarantine Tales), the film stars Devano Danendra, Keisya Levronka, Mikha Hernan. Budi Ros, Fajar Nugra, and Ratu Felisha.
I really enjoyed Soul Reaper. It took an idea that’s been done before and made it something unique. The film follows 3 friends who race against the clock to try to stop a series of supernatural murders plaguing the area. One of my favorite things about the film was the core trio of Respati, Wulan and Tirta. The film makes you feel like they have a very real bond. They go out of their way to protect each other and to try to save people by stopping the evil murderess known as Sukma. It really felt like they were genuine friends who had each other’s backs and would do anything to protect each other. They would die for each other if need be.
I haven’t seen a film that captures this so well in a long time, probably IT Chapter 1 and The Loser’s Club.
The film has a lot of intriguing and effective sequences such as Respati’s final battle with Sukma, a bunch of creepy segments in the dream world and my personal favorite, a possession in a packed classroom. This is something I’ve wanted to see for ages in a film and I’m glad Soul Reaper did it and managed to do it so effectively. It was really a stand out segment.
Devano Danendra did a great job as Respati, a teen who has seen his fair share of tragedy and still struggling with the loss of his parents. Keisya Levronka was incredible as Wulan, a girl who is an outcast at a new school who has a history of possession. I loved the bond she shared with Respati and Tirta, but especially Respati, who she bonds with over their shared losses. Ratu Felisha was incredibly creepy as Sukma. She has an intense presence.
Final Thoughts
Soul Reaper puts a fresh spin on a well worn idea. The film benefits greatly from great performances and characters and a really creepy villain. Highly recommended.
