Impetigore Review

The interesting premise and effectively engaging environments of the Indonesian horror film Impetigore by writer/director Joko Anwar help propel its grim visuals and elements past its sometimes overbearing and ambitiously broad narrative. Thrilling tension and an eerie sense of dread are realized throughout, helping Anwar conceive many convincingly haunting sequences that rarely feel bound by the conventional jumpscares and tactics of the more theatrical horror films popular today. Many moments in Impetigore offer suspenseful and grisly sequences that prove sufficient, but various issues break its consistency. Poor digital effects and drawn-out plot points frequently shatter immersion and slow the action down to gruelling speeds. Unmistakable originality runs deep throughout Impetigore, but noticeable issues often prevent it from fully flourishing.

Impetigore tells the story of Maya, a woman who inherits a house in her ancestral village in Indonesia. However, when she arrives at the home with her friend Dini, the two feel unwelcome by the community members, utterly unaware that they have been trying to locate and kill Maya to remove a curse that has plagued the village for years.

Impetigore entertains viewers early through its spooky cinematography and enthralling atmosphere. Anwar and his team achieve ominous and sinister moods throughout, which hoist the films more formulaic or predictable plot points to enjoyable heights. Each location's intensity is often brought to life with authentic performances by much of its cast. Anwar displays a keen awareness of when to build and release visual tension, doing so in a way that never feels cliche or reused.

Although visually competent, Impetigore falters at building an equally arresting narrative around its atmospheric achievements. Foundational elements of horror and mystery are present, but too often does Impetigore depend on blatant exposition dumps and unnaturally informative dialogue to further some of its less prominent or engrossing aspects.

Despite the rocky narrative flow that the film travels down, it's clear that Impetigore values story and setting over jumpscares. Unsettling and suspenseful moments aren't sparse, but those hoping for a tale as well structured as the film's atmosphere and tone will have to look elsewhere.

A haunting atmosphere and frightful narrative foundation help overlook the immersion-breaking decisions that hinder Impetigore throughout.

Produced By: Shudder
Runtime: 106 minutes
Rating: R