Dir. Kimo Stamboel | Now Streaming On: Prime Video | Rating: 5/5

The Queen of Black Magic is a remake of the 1981 cult classic of the same name. Though I haven’t seen the original, this movie was one hell of a ride in the best way.⁠
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The setting and atmosphere revolves around what has become of the orphanage and the secrets it holds in the decades after our main trio left. There is something off about this place from the get go – it’s desolate, creepy, and the remaining caretakers seem to be unphased by the strange happenings. With just over a 90 minute run time, the film’s story has several twists, turns, and plot reveals. You’ll need to pay close attention, especially if you don’t speak Indonesian and have to watch this subtitled.⁠
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Once the story starts to unravel, it’s all gas, no brakes. Between missing kids, murder mysteries, and a dangerous threat of black magic in the air, the cast is in for the ride of their lives. There are stretches of extreme gore, self mutilation, and violence that made my jaw drop. Not to mention, there’s these awful looking centipedes that show up a few times. ⁠
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At its core, The Queen of Black Magic is a feminine revenge story that tips the all male trio upside down as the secrets of the past come to light. This is a great gateway to Indonesian horror but if this isn’t your native culture – you have to put the work in. This is far from a casual watch, but it will not disappoint. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features blood, discussions of child abuse, death, gore, bugs, imagery of small holes. ⁠