‘Dongeng Sang Kancil’ (2025) Netflix Movie Review - A Dark, Fast-Paced Take on the Classic Folktale

For generations, Sang Kancil has been synonymous with wit, cunning, and mischievous charm. But in Dongeng Sang Kancil, the beloved mouse-deer’s journey takes a far darker turn, replacing lighthearted trickery with a vengeance-fueled odyssey. The film reimagines the folktale through an action-packed, blood-soaked lens that surprises with its ambition but occasionally stumbles in execution.

At its core, the story follows Kancil’s relentless quest to reach the top of the cliff, where an ominous dark shadow awaits. With Gagak (Khairul Mu’az Bin Kamarul Ariffin), the opportunistic crow, offering his assistance, Kancil sees his best shot at fulfilling this long-standing mission. Clocking in at just around 90 minutes, the film moves with breakneck speed—sometimes to its detriment. It rarely pauses to let moments breathe, and in doing so, sacrifices crucial character development.

The most glaring example of this issue emerges right from the opening act. Kancil’s mother’s death—a pivotal moment meant to fuel his desire for revenge—lacks the emotional depth it desperately needs. The scene comes and goes too quickly, leaving little time for the audience to connect with their bond. Had the film taken the time to establish their relationship, her tragic fate could have resonated on a much deeper level, making Kancil’s journey feel more impactful.

As the story transitions into its second half, the film takes an even grimmer turn, fully embracing its bleak and merciless tone. The whimsical mischief that typically defines Kancil’s folklore identity is completely stripped away, replaced by an unrelenting sense of dread. Every step forward feels like a march into deeper peril, as survival becomes a desperate gamble rather than a certainty. When Kancil finds himself entangled in a life-or-death struggle, the stakes skyrocket with the arrival of Harimau Kumbang (Amir Masdi), a panther whose imposing stature and calculated cruelty command every frame he occupies.

Unlike the mindless brutes or bumbling villains often found in traditional folk tales, Harimau Kumbang is a different breed of predator—ruthless, intelligent, and utterly unyielding. He exudes an aura of dominance, effortlessly turning the jungle into his personal hunting ground where fear dictates the rules. His mere presence sends a ripple of terror through the animal kingdom, signaling an immediate shift in tone from a perilous adventure to a nightmarish test of endurance. The moment he steps into the narrative, the film shifts gears into full-fledged survival mode, embracing the kill-or-be-killed mentality.

This is where Dongeng Sang Kancil shocks the most—it’s not just dark; it’s downright brutal. The violence is unflinching, with blood-soaked encounters and unsettling brutality as Harimau Kumbang and his ruthless gang prey upon the weaker animals. The film straddles an uneasy line between appealing to younger audiences and catering to an older demographic hungry for darker storytelling. While the action sequences are undeniably well-animated and visceral, the sheer intensity of some scenes might push the envelope too far, leaving parents questioning if this folktale-inspired tale is truly family-friendly.

Despite its missteps, Dongeng Sang Kancil deserves credit for daring to reinvent a familiar story with such boldness. It delivers a visually arresting and emotionally weighty experience, even if the execution doesn’t always match the ambition. Had it allowed more room for character depth and a steadier pace, it could have been a true masterpiece. Instead, it lands somewhere between a fascinating experiment and a cautionary tale of how pacing can make or break a film’s emotional core.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times