TOP 10 Best First-watch Films Of March '24

 10. Slither (2006)

It didn't quite hit the mark for me, but there were definitely moments that kept me entertained, even if they didn't stick with me for long.

9. The Final Girls (2015)

A hilarious take on meta horror that had its moments, though I was left wanting a bit more in terms of sheer entertainment.

8. The Killing of A Sacred Deer (2017)

This film's eerie atmosphere really grabbed me. While I'm still unraveling its mysteries, there's no denying it's a work of art.

7. Tiger Stripes (2023)

A bold blend of body horror and coming-of-age that sets a high standard for Malaysian cinema.

6. Budi Pekerti (2023)

Touching and thought-provoking, with standout performances and a commendable social critique, though perhaps not quite reaching the heights of Bhanuteja's another masterpiece, Penyalin Cahaya.

5. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

I couldn't help but burst into laughter at the final scene. The cast's performances, especially Jennifer Lawrence's, are truly noteworthy. She deserved the Oscars!

4. Not Friends (2023)

A heartfelt exploration of friendship intertwined with clever film references. It captured my heart and stands as one of the finest Thai films in recent years.

3. Dream Home (2010)

A pleasant surprise indeed. Beyond the thrilling gore, it masterfully balances its dramatic elements—a rarity in the slasher genre.

1. A Separation (2011) [TIED]

Like Dream Home, this film exceeded my expectations, offering a profound drama with impeccable storytelling and direction that will stay with me for years to come.

1. Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-Film (2023) [TIED]

This film fills me with pride. From its insightful satire on Indonesian cinema to its engaging performances (especially Nirina Zubir) and its vibrant visuals, it's truly a masterpiece crafted with love for the art of filmmaking.

Religious Horror : Is there anything wrong with this theme?

Let's spice up the discussion about religious horror flicks! So, picture this: you're scrolling through Gina S. Noer's IG story and stumble upon a gem of wisdom. She totally nails it when she says that nowadays, horror scenes set in places of worship are kinda like adding sprinkles on a sundae - they might look cool, but they're not adding much flavor.

Take a trip down memory lane with The Exorcist (1973) - a classic that not only sends shivers down your spine with its exorcism storyline but also dives deep into the struggles of a doubting priest. It's like a rollercoaster of fear and faith!

But wait, there's more! Ever heard of Munafik (2016) from Malaysia? This flick proves that a religious horror movie can be more than just jump scares. It weaves Islamic elements into the characters' inner battles, leaving you with goosebumps and food for thought.

Now, onto Joko Anwar's Satan's Slaves duology. Some people griped about how easily the ustaz characters bite the dust. But hey, maybe it's a wake-up call - showing us that shaky faith can be a one-way ticket to trouble town.

Here's the deal: when religious horror films prioritize cheap thrills over solid storytelling, they risk giving religion a bad rap. It's like serving up a dish with all sizzle and no steak. So, let's raise the bar and focus on crafting meaningful tales that leave a lasting impression, instead of just going for a quick scare fix. Who's with me? 🎥✨

TOP 5 My favorite Indonesian final girls

Alright, buckle up horror enthusiasts! Before we plunge into the juicy details of my Indonesian Final Girl favorites, let me drop some knowledge on you. The term "Final Girl" is your golden ticket to the survivor club in horror films. Picture this – a tough, virtuous lady who dodges danger and makes it to the end, steering clear of the stereotypical 'bitchy' vibe. Got it? Good. Now, let's venture into the world of Indonesian horror, where these leading ladies stole my heart and left me cheering for their survival.

1. Ladya from Rumah Dara (2010)

Picture this: Airport plans gone awry, Ladya ends up trapped in a cannibal family's lair, all because she lent a hand. Talk about tough luck! But hey, she's no damsel in distress – battered, but unbeaten. Ladya's my kind of final girl, folks.

2. Farah from Taring (2010)

Economic crisis? No problem. Farah dives into a forest photoshoot to fund her mom's medical bills. Just a regular day, right? Wrong! A carnivorous creature crashes the party, and let me tell you, the final act had me on the edge. Call it a guilty pleasure; I sure did.

3. Tiara from Air Terjun Pengantin (2009)

Fear of the dark? Check. Holiday with nephew's pals? Check. Surprise danger lurking? Double-check. Tiara ticks all the boxes – sexy, strong, and tough. Clear description? Absolutely. This final girl's got it going on!

4. Samantha from Kuntilanak Trilogy (2006-2008)

Samantha's escape from her perverted pops leads her to an old, creepy boarding house with a spine-chilling secret. Julie Estelle rocks the scream queen title with epic consistency in this trilogy. Now that's a performance worth a round of applause.

5. Maya from Perempuan Tanah Jahannam (2019)

Maya's journey to her parents' village reveals a spooky secret and thrusts her into the village's turmoil. I fell for Maya from the get-go, and as the story unfolds, she transforms into the kind of final girl that keeps me hooked.

And guess what? There's another final girl waiting in the wings, but I'm shining the spotlight on these fabulous five. They've got my vote. Thanks for joining my horror escapade – until next time, stay spooked!