‘Monster’ (2024) Netflix Movie Review - A Horrifying Disappointment

As I sat down to watch "Monster," the latest Indonesian horror thriller to hit Netflix, I couldn't help but feel a pang of anticipation mixed with a dash of skepticism. Directed by Rako Prijanto, this film promises to be a spine-chilling rollercoaster ride, but does it deliver? Well, let's just say it's a bit like expecting a gourmet meal and ending up with a microwave dinner.

The plot follows the unfortunate fate of two friends, Alana and Rabin, who find themselves snatched away by a diabolical kidnapper and thrust into the depths of a desolate house. Sounds promising, right? Wrong. While the premise has potential, it's marred by unnecessary detours and plot points that feel like they were thrown in for the sake of padding out the runtime.

One of the film's supposed selling points is the fact that Alana, one of the main characters, is mute. Now, in theory, this could have added an extra layer of suspense and tension, but in reality, it falls flat. Instead of capitalizing on this unique trait, the filmmakers seem content to let it linger in the background, never fully exploring its potential impact on the story.

The performances, while not outright terrible, also leave much to be desired. Marsha Timothy and the rest of the cast do their best with the material they're given, but ultimately, they're let down by a lackluster script and uninspired direction. It's a shame, really, considering the talent involved.

Speaking of direction, let's talk about Rako Prijanto's latest outing. Known for films like "Para Betina" and "Para Betina Pengikut Iblis: Part 2," Prijanto has certainly made a name for himself in the world of Indonesian cinema. However, "Monster" feels like a step backward. Gone are the innovative storytelling and bold visuals that defined his earlier works, replaced instead by a paint-by-numbers approach that feels more suited to a made-for-TV movie.

When it comes to visuals and cinematography in "Monster," it's a bit like stumbling upon a diamond in a sea of gravel. Occasionally, just occasionally, there are moments of brilliance that catch your eye and leave you momentarily dazzled. The eerie lighting in certain scenes, and the claustrophobic framing as our protagonists navigate their nightmare, are the glimpses of potential that keep you hanging on. But for every striking composition, there are ten others that feel uninspired and flat. It's as if the cinematographer took a nap halfway through shooting and only woke up sporadically to capture the good stuff.

But perhaps the most egregious sin committed by "Monster" is its failure to deliver on the promise of horror and suspense. Sure, there are a few jump scares here and there, but they feel cheap and uninspired. Where's the tension? The dread? The sense of impending doom that should permeate every frame of a film like this? Nowhere to be found, I'm afraid.

In the end, "Monster" is a forgettable addition to the horror genre, destined to languish in the depths of Netflix's ever-expanding library. It's not without its moments, but they're few and far between, buried beneath a mountain of mediocrity. So if you're looking for a truly chilling cinematic experience, I'd recommend looking elsewhere. After all, life's too short to waste on mediocre horror movies.

Final Score - [4/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times