The 2023 film Sewu Dino, which translates to 1000 days, is full of Indonesian creepiness. It’s all black magic and the curses of demons. Heavy on atmosphere yet not too over the top on scares. It is, in essence, less scary than unsettling. A touch of The Exorcist meets Poltergeist.
The Sewu Dino Story
Sri is hired to do a bathing ritual to calm the demon possessing Della Atmojo. There are only a few days left of the required 1000 days. Three young women are to complete the bathing. However, something goes very wrong.
The Cast
Mikha Tambayong is Sri.
Rio Dewanto is Sugik.
Givina Lukita is Erna.
Agla Artalidia is Dini.
Karina Suwandhi is Karsa Atmojo.
Gisellma Firmansyah is Della.
Pritt Timothy is Mbah Tamin.
Let’s Talk Sewu Dino
Director Kimo Stamboel takes the screenplay, based on a thread by SimpleMan and walks with it. The story is meant to be somewhat pedestrian. It does slowly escalate towards the end. This “snowballing” of events works brilliantly. There are signposts. At one point, in the repetitious yet complex ritual, Sri screws up. Several times. We know immediately that things are going to go South in hurry.
The VFX work well. There is a certain amount of practical FX also. Regardless, the action in the film, which does build up, will send chills down your spine.
The Exorcist Revisited
Della’s possession reeks of Regan’s in The Exorcist, right down to what looks like pea soup. There are contortions and creepy looking eyes. This is pretty much where the comparison ends though. For a start, these are Indonesian demons. Just as there is Indonesian black magic at play. I enjoyed the film and all its twists and turns, despite those aforementioned signposts.
The Verdict
Sewu Dino earns a solid 3.75 stars. That sometimes dodgy VFX hurt a little. This is a cracking horror film. It is subtitled though, which seems to be a stumbling block for so many. It is streaming on Prime right now.
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