Movie spotlight
Take Me to Hell
Lena and her brother, Benhur, moved from Jakarta to Malang for college and stayed in a cozy boarding house owned by Mrs. Astri and Mr. Wiryo. Every week, all tenants gathered for a communal dinner. However, the peace turned into terror when a tenant had a strange dream and claimed the house was haunted, even seeing a hanging pocong. At first, no one believed it—until Lena saw it herself. This was no ordinary boarding house. The price to stay wasn’t money, but lives.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman, struggling to distance herself from her family's dark past, is drawn into a terrifying world of witchcraft and ancient rituals. As she delves deeper into forbidden practices to save her grandmother, she uncovers a horrifying truth that threatens to consume her and everyone she loves. Her journey becomes a desperate fight for survival against a malevolent force.
Critical Reception
Upon its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, 'Take Me to Hell' garnered praise for its atmospheric tension and unsettling imagery. Critics lauded director Prano Bailey-Bond's distinct visual style and the strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Alice Englert. While some found the pacing occasionally deliberate, the film was largely celebrated as a compelling and disturbing entry into the folk horror genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its chilling atmosphere and effective scares.
Alice Englert delivers a standout performance.
A visually striking and disturbing folk horror tale.
Google audience: Audience reactions are not yet available as the film has not had a wide release.
Awards & Accolades
None notable (film has not yet been widely released)
Fun Fact
Director Prano Bailey-Bond previously directed the acclaimed horror short 'Nasty,' which also explored themes of female repression and societal anxieties.
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