Movie About A Video Game That Kills You
Indonesia is no stranger to horror movies, with some of the most iconic Asian horror films being produced in the country. The latest addition to this genre is a movie about a video game that kills you. The movie is titled "Dara", which means curse in Indonesian, and it is directed by Kimo Stamboel.
The Plot
The movie follows a group of friends who are avid gamers. They stumble upon a mysterious video game called "The Curse of the Darakan". The game is said to be cursed, and anyone who plays it dies in real life. The group, intrigued by the game's dark history, decides to play it despite the warnings.
As they progress through the game, they begin to experience strange occurrences in their real lives. One by one, they start to die in gruesome ways, resembling the deaths of their in-game characters. The group realizes that they have unleashed a malevolent spirit that is determined to kill them all. They must race against time to solve the mystery and break the curse before it's too late.
The Inspiration
The concept of a cursed video game that kills players is not new. However, the director states that the inspiration for "Dara" came from the rise of online gaming in Indonesia. He noticed that many young Indonesians were becoming addicted to gaming, and he wanted to explore the dangers of video game addiction in a horror movie.
The director also drew inspiration from traditional Indonesian ghost stories. He incorporated elements of Indonesian folklore and superstitions into the movie to create a unique and terrifying experience. The movie features a mix of jump scares and psychological horror, making it a must-see for horror fans in Indonesia.
The Cast
The movie features a young and talented cast of actors, including Marsha Aruan, who plays the lead role of Dara. Aruan is a popular Indonesian actress and social media influencer with a massive following on Instagram. She has appeared in several Indonesian movies and TV shows, making her one of the most recognizable faces in the Indonesian entertainment industry.
The supporting cast includes Rizky Nazar, who plays Dara's love interest, and Susan Sameh, who plays the game's villain. The cast delivers solid performances, with Nazar and Sameh standing out in their respective roles.
The Reception
"Dara" was released in Indonesia on December 26, 2019, and it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Some praised the movie for its unique plot, terrifying atmosphere, and impressive special effects. Others criticized it for its predictable plot and lack of character development.
Despite the mixed reviews, "Dara" was a commercial success, grossing over $2 million in Indonesia. The movie was also well-received by international audiences, with its world premiere taking place at the 2020 SXSW Film Festival in the United States.
The Conclusion
"Dara" is a must-see for horror fans in Indonesia. The movie offers a unique take on the cursed video game trope, incorporating elements of Indonesian folklore and superstitions to create a terrifying experience. While the movie may not be perfect, it is an impressive debut for director Kimo Stamboel and a promising start for the cast of talented young actors.
