Sebelum Iblis Menjemput: Ayat Dua

This pice of Indonesian mayhem by the great Timo Tjahjanto is a perfect demonic rampage and definitely one of the best horror films of this year. The story takes place two years after the first one, with Chelsea Islan once again battling a demon that has the ability to possess people similar to Evil Dead, and it's an atmospheric, dense and creepy romp with no shortage of chills. The film is very brisk, at somewhere around the 40 minute mark I was thinking this must be the finale and when I found out there was still an hour to go I was pleasantly surprised. Tjahjanto may have toned down the gore, but he doesn't spare the demons, a lot of good quality make-up effects, really uncomfortable scenes to be scared, and it's overall very action packed, there's always something going on, the director hardly lets the viewer breathe, and the flying saw scene was great. This could have made a fine demon trilogy, although I would have preferred if Tjahanto had followed the model of his debut Macabre. A sensation and, along with The Queen of Black Magic, the clear winners this year. Story***, Action****, Humor>No, Violence***, Entertainment****, Music****, Visual****, Atmosphere*****, Suspense****. 8/10. (10.09.2020)