The Queen of Black Magic effortlessly takes the idea of supernatural horror to a whole new level. Scene after scene, a wave of terror sends a rush of adrenaline through the audience by turning trauma into a vivid psychological experience. The story relies on the past to give meaning to the present, focusing on family, loneliness, injustice, and violence through a metaphysical lens. Directed by Kimo Stamboel, the Indonesian horror is linked to a 1981 film of the same title, directed by Liliek Sudjio.Â
Central to the storyline is Hanif (Ario Bayu), a man who returns to the orphanage where he was raised. There, he makes a dreadful discovery of magic, violence, and the haunting presence of Murni, who embodies the feminine rage and injustice commonly found in society, having been a victim of abuse and betrayal. Murni uses black magic as a weapon against everyone who stands in her way. In an era where horror is experiencing a resurgence, The Queen of Black Magic stands out — not just for its scares, but for how it forces viewers to confront the horrors of a past that refuses to stay buried.
Kimo Stamboel’s Horror Movie Updates a Classic To Deliver an Unsettling, Gory Experience
Gut-wrenching, vivid details of harrowing violence and brutality are found in many scenes of The Queen of Black Magic. One scene that remains difficult to forget involves the gruesome self-mutilation of a young girl who is under the influence of Murni’s magic and is forced to peel off her own skin. The film also delivers tormenting moments with the unfortunate deaths of orphans on a bus. While not a direct remake, these events are inspired by Murni’s tragic story, which originated in the 1981 original. Filled with vengeance, Murni (Putri Ayudya) returns to the 2019 version of The Queen of Black Magic to decimate society with her newfound powers, especially the orphanage and its people.Â
Tension is built gradually in the 1981 version of The Queen of Black Magic, but in the 2019 version, the movie explores the same concept while digging deeper into rawness and intensity with striking visuals and disturbing sound. Murni is more than an upset and vengeful spirit, but a symbol of karma and injustice. This multilayered approach has contributed to setting The Queen of Black Magic apart from other remakes. Unlike movies like The Omen (2006), A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010), and Poltergeist (2015), which updated their visuals but kept their stories as close to the original as possible, The Queen of Black Magic offers a new narrative with only a few references to the original. The 2019 movie brilliantly heightens its scenes with emotional and psychological tension, delivering an effective and memorable cinematic experience with delivering an effective and unforgettable cinematic experience.
‘The Queen of Black Magic’ Explores the Connection between Supernatural and Reality
From a haunted house to demon possessions, The Queen of Black Magic combines the eerie atmosphere of the orphanage with vivid depictions of dark rituals, bridging the gap between supernatural entities and nature. The use of sorcery is evident from the beginning of the story. Present in almost every scene, the movie uses magic as a tool to perfectly emphasize the depth of Murni’s vengeance and mystical prowess.Â
For those who are familiar with Indonesian horror, the link between the metaphysical and the physical is not an uncommon theme. While seeing The Queen of Black Magic use centipedes, millipedes, and other animals is spooky enough, knowing, the creatures stand as metaphors for magic intensity or dominance is profoundly unsettling. As the story unfolds, The Queen of Black Magic’s continued reliance on physical and supernatural complexities amplifies the horror and leaves viewers with an inescapable sense of dread, made stronger by the movie’s commitment to folklore and unrelenting tension.
‘The Queen of Black Magic’ Is an Underappreciated Horror Experience
The Queen of Black Magic easily stands out in the genre for its daring use of shock and gore. Although this led to praise from critics, it has unfortunately not been able to gain the recognition it deserves. At the time of its release, the genre was crowded with formidable competition. For instance, Doctor Sleep and Ballet Blanc were released on November 8, 2019, a day after The Queen of Black Magic arrived in theaters. However, thanks to its sharp screenplay, magnetic performances, and haunting theme, the film remains one of the best horror movies to come out of Indonesia. The Queen of Black Magic is not without its flaws, but what it gets right hits hard enough to leave a mark.
Dare to experience the dread? The Queen of Black Magic is currently streaming on Shudder.
