Blu Release – 4/5
Pact with the Forces of Darkness
Director – Sisworo Guatama Putra (Satan’s Slave, Wolf)
Starring – Suzzanna (The Earth Gets Hotter, White Crocodile Queen), Elly Ermawati (Saur Sepuh: Satria Madangkara, Saur Sepuh 2: Pesanggrahan Keramat), and Piet Pagau (Revenge of the Ninja, Deadly Angels Strike Back)
Release Date – 1991
Rating – 3/5
Several years back I was sent the 1982 Indonesian horror flick Satan’s Slave from Vinegar Syndrome for review. I had never seen it prior to that but it was a film I instantly fell in love with. It’s a movie that I’ve watched several times since then and I can see myself revisiting it again in the near future. This unforgettable film was directed by Sisworo Guatama Putra who also helmed several other genre flicks.
Sometime back I was sent the Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness from my friends over at Severin Films. When I opened it up to watch the first film in the set, Pact with the Forces of Darkness from 1991, I noticed that Putra directed this one as well. I couldn’t wait to dig into this one and like always I want to thank Severin for sending this one over.
**Spoiler Alert** The film with begins with a family preparing for the night when their home is invaded by goons who slaughters everyone before leaving. The mother, with her dying breath, makes a pact with a demon to get revenge on those that slaughtered her family. **Spoiler Alert**
I went into this one completely blind and found myself enjoying this one. It was unintentionally funny at times and the nod to Freddy Krueger was fun even though it did feel cheap. I can see why this one doesn’t get the international notoriety as Putra’s other films but it ws fun.
The acting in this one was surprisingly well done. A lot of the cast had very little, if any, acting credits prior to filming this one yet they all did pretty damn good. The characters are fairly flat, even for a horror film, but the cast does a solid job with what was written for them.
The story for this one is nothing we haven’t seen in horror before, especially by the time this one rolled around in the early 90s. We have someone who kills off his opposition only for one of them to make a deal with a demon on their deathbed to get revenge. I’ve seen similar stories in action, thrillers, and even sci-fi features but none had the Indonesian spin that these had. Honestly, I enjoyed it. It’s not the most original film but the pacing works. I may not revisit this one anytime soon but the story works for a first time watch.
Finally, this one doesn’t shy away from the deaths but they are not that fun or memorable. The effects are minimal and work for the gag but are nothing that stands out. Overall, Pact with the Forces of Darkness is a solid entry in the world of Indonesian horror but it’s not as fun or memorable as other films from Putra. Check it out.
White Crocodile Queen
Director – H. Tjut Djalil (Lady Terminator, Mystics in Bali)
Starring – Suzzanna (The Earth Gets Hotter, Birth in the Grave), Soendjoto Adibroto (Kliwon Friday Night, Samson and Delilah), and Vera Magdalena (Permainan Dibalik Tirai)
Release Date – 1988
Rating – 3/5
I was not familiar with the horror starlit Suzzanna prior to getting the Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness from my friends over at Severin. I’d be lying if I said I was and I always try to remain honest in my reviews. I was still excited to check out these films but I was not aware of how important she was to Indonesian horror. After watching Pact with the Forces of Darkness, I quickly tossed in the second film in the set which was the 1988 film White Crocodile Queen. Like with all my reviews, I would like to thank Severin for sending this one over!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a man who steals an amulet that is said to grant those that wield it the power to overtake any crocodile. For this he is cursed for the next 20 years where both of his sons die. His only remaining child, his daughter, is now at risk of dying so he turns to a local widow who might have a way to stop the curse. However, he learns that she is possessed by the ghost of the original owner of the amulet who is hellbound on revenge. **Spoiler Alert**
White Crocodile Queen is about on the same level as Pact with the Forces of Darkness. It’s not a horror title that will stick with you for sometime after watching it but it is a solid genre flick. With that being said, it was extremely campy which reminded me a lot of the Bollywood films that I’ve reviewed in the past. It’s fun but isn’t as fun as it could have been.
The acting in this one is nowhere near as fun as the first film. The characters are all charictures of what you would expect from a film like this but it’s not bad. The cast has a lot of energy and really get into their roles but the awkward dance-esque numbers and constant smiling made a lot of the scenes feel silly.
The story for this one is not what I was expecting but I did enjoy it for what it was. A supernatural Bollywood inspired movie with possession, magical amulets, and awkward scenes that bring in unintentional laugh was not what I was expecting. I really enjoyed loved how unconventional it was in a western sense but it doesn’t really have any replay value.
Finally, we get some blood, some fun camera tricks, and some great make-up but that is really the extent of it. The movie is very story driven with a lot of great visuals but don’t expect to see something gory. Overall, White Crocodile Queen is a fun film for a first time watch. It’s a solid Indonesian horror film that may be more fun if you were a bit high or buzzed. I liked it but I don’t see myself revisiting it anytime soon. Check it out.
Malam Satu Suro
Director – Sisworo Gautama Putra (Wolf, Sanet)
Starring – Suzzanna (The Earth Gets Hotter, Hantu Ambulance), Fendy Pradana (Valentine, Dia), and Nurnaningsih (Yoan, Cowok Komersil)
Release Date – 1988
Rating – 2.5/5
I was excited when Severin sent me the Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness set for review. My knowledge of Indonesian horror is damn near nonexistent but the one film I had seen previously, Satan’s Slave, is one of my favorite films. So far this set has delivered two solid films but neither are close to reaching the level of awesome that Satan’s Slave is. The third film that I decided to watch is the 1988 supernatural horror Malam Satu Suro which just happened to be directed by Sisworo Gautama Putra who also directed Satan’s Slave.
This is the second film from Putra that I’ve seen in this set so far and easily the best film. I hate to say it again, but it’s not as good as Satan’s Slave but holy fuck was it still a lot of fun. Like always, I want to thank Severin for sending this one over!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a power being that gives it all up to become human. She soon falls in love and starts a family but this idylic life is cut short when an evil witch and her cult discover who she really is. They force her back into her original form which removes her from her family. Heartbroken and alone, she sets out to kill everyone in the cult responsible for taking her family from her. **Spoiler Alert**
I will be hard pressed to find better film in this set. This is the kind of film that I’m looking for when I snag a Bollywood horror title from the 80s. While this may be an Indonesian horror release from the late 80s, it was clearly inspired by Indian films of the time. I enjoyed it for what it was and could see myself possibly revisiting it again if I ever want something to follow up Satan’s Slave with.
The acting in this one is probably the most enjoyable out of the set so far. The characters are very outlandish and generic but the cast really had fun in their roles. They brought a great deal of energy to the scenes but the characters lack of depth and the cast’s inexperience does make some of the intentional humor miss it’s mark.
The story for this one is a bit predictable and unpolished but the eccentric characters and wild moments more than makes up for it. I went into this one expecting it to be similar to the previous two films but I was wrong. I found myself laughing at the fun characters even though I knew exactly where the story was going. Honestly, if more time was spent in the writing process then this film would have been untouchable.
Finally, the film has some blood and some fun make-up effects but don’t expect a gory affair that will stick with you for days after watching it. We get some minimal practical effects and some entertaining make-up but that is about the extent of it. The deaths are rather bland and just blend into the background. Overall, Malam Satu Suro is a seriously fun supernatural Indonesian horror tale that did make me laugh a few times. While it’s not a film that I can see myself watching over and over again, I do see myself checking it out every couple of years. Check it out.
Kliwon Friday Night
Director – Sisworo Gautam Putra (Wolf, Primitif)
Starring – Amit Abidin (The Stabilizer, Revenge of the Ninja), Soendjoto Adibroto (White Crocodile Queen, Pact with the Forces of Darkness), Ali Albar (Diskotik DJ, Satan’s Slave)
Release Date – 1986
Rating – 3/5
The Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness set from Severin Films is one hell of a ride that I was not expecting. I considered Putra one of my favorite directors for the sole reason that I absolutely adore his film Satan’s Slave. However, after watching a few of the films in this set I can safely say that he may not be my favorite but I still respect the hell out of him. I’ve reviewed a few of his films in this and I have to say they are the true definition of what it means when people say a movie is a roller coaster ride.
The movies have so many ups and downs but that doesn’t mean they are good. Hell, by western standards, these films are not that great but I still have fun with them. I was still excited to check out the next film of his in the Suzzanna set, Kliwon Friday Night.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a struggling author who rents a supposedly haunted house to work on her next piece of fiction. However, the spirit in the home refuses to give her a chance to write as it immediately starts attacking her and anyone that comes near the property. **Spoiler Alert**
I knew it wasn’t going to be but in the back of my mind I was hoping that I would be in the same vein as Satan’s Slave. I know you are probably sick of me saying it but I fucking love this movie. Kliwon Friday Night was not like it but it had some of the weirdest moments I’ve ever seen in a movie.
The acting in this one is pretty consistent with the other films in the set. We have a lot of campy performances with a lot of energy and unforgettable characters. While I don’t really have a lot more to say about it, I don’t necessarily hate the acting but it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
The story for this one feels like the movie was shot without a finished script. We have the basic premise which features the author and a haunted house but the remainder of the film is random scenes, a dance number, and that is about it. It was fun so don’t take that the wrong way but it doesn’t really make sense. Looking back, I bet I would have loved this one a lot more if I had popped a 100mg edible.
Finally, we get some make-up effects but those looking for gore and memorable deaths will be very disappointed. However, if a dance number with a little person is more your speed then this one is for you. Overall, Kliwon Friday Night is a mess of a film but if you dig cult cinema like I do then you can appreciate this weird ass movie. Check it out.
Suzzanna: The Queen of Black Magic
Director – David Gregory (One-Way Ticket to the Other Side, Taste the Blood of Martin)
Starring – Clift Sangra (Suzzanna: Buried Alive, Suzzanna: Witchcraft), Joko Anwar (Reunion Z, Macabre), and Gope T. Samtani (Ghost in the Cell, Smothered)
Release Date – 2024
Rating – 3/5
I don’t know why the set is packed in the order that it was but I’m too lazy to take the time to see what order the films in the Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness were released. Instead, I’m just pulling then out one by one with the fourth film being the 2024 documentary Suzzanna: The Queen of Black Magic which should not be confused with the 1981 film The Queen of Black Magic starring Suzzanna herself. Honestly, I was kind of excited to check out the doc so I could learn more about this Indonesian horror legend that I had never heard of before.
**Spoiler Alert** The film explores the early works and extrordinary career of Indonesia’s biggest horror star, Suzzanna. **Spoiler Alert**
The legend of Suzzanna is one that I find extremey underrated especially after watching this documentary. I never realized just how prolific and incrimental her films were to not only the horror community in Indonesia, but also, the Indonesian movie industry in general.
The interviews in this one range from family friends, acquantices, fans, and those inspired by her work to pursue film. We get a wide range of interviews with an even wider range of backgrounds and connections to the legend. The topics discussed range from her life before her iconic career to her career, her hiatus from filming, and then her reemergence as on of the biggest horror icons in the country. They are in chronoligical order and carry a lot of information.
Finally, the film is very well editing and pieced together. The transitions are not overwhelming and work great for the type of documentary that they are going for. Overall, Suzzanna: The Queen of Black Magic is the movie that I wish I had watched first when I started checking out this set. It’s very informative and really opened my eyes as to how important Suzzanna is to horror history. I highly recommend it.
Hantu Ambulance
Director – Nayato Fio Nuala (After School Horror 2, Horror House)
Starring – Suzzanna (White Crocodile Queen, Santet 2), William Alvin, and Dimaz Andrean (Setannya Cuan, El: The Movie)
Release Date – 2008
Rating – 1/5
I’m a fan of early 2000s horror. I was in high school in the early 2000s and this was the time I really found myself becoming obsessed with the genre. It was during these years that my movie collection grew substantially. After snagging some must own genre titles, I quickly took a deep dive into indie and no budget cinema. Companies like Midnight Release, Tempe Video, and so on were my go to.
I never expected that I would be reviewing a late 2000’s Indonesian no budget horror film that found it’s way into a boxset from my friends over at Severin. The final film in the Suzzanna: Empress of Darkness is the 2008 supernatural tale Hantu Ambulance. I want to take a moment and thank Severin for sending this one over for review.
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a young man who is moving away from his family home to be closer to school. His grandmother tries to talk him out of it but he is unwilling to listen but soon learns that his family is cursed. His grandmother made a deal wit ha benevolent force for fortunes if she provides it with a sacrifice. She did not keep up with her end of the bargain and now it is taking her family from her one by one.**Spoiler Alert**
I had no idea what to expect when I tossed this one in. I knew it was a newer film but it wasn’t until I was putting the review together that I learned that it was Suzzanna’s last film and her first feature film in almost 20 years after taking a hiatus to deal with health issues. Sadly. this is easily the worst film in the set and one that I struggled to finish.
The acting in this one is very awkward. The Bollywood style camp and cheese that made the first three films in the set so fun are now replaced with a more serious tone. Most of the cast lacks on screen experience which makes a lot of these “serious” scenes feel a bit awkward. The cast really tries to get into their roles but the lack of experience and emptions makes many of the scenes unintentionally funny.
The story for this one uses the severely underrated generational curse lore that I’ve been fortunate enough to read in several novels and stories through the years but rarely see as the focus of film. This would have works in a J-Horror style film if they didn’t toss in the random ambulance storyline with some of the random encounters that take place. It feels as if the story was never finished and the filmmakers used what resources they had with the little budget left to piece something together. I seriously wanted to like this story but it’s missing so much.
Finally, the film tries to offer some jump scares but they never work and the practical effects that you would expect from a film featuring Suzzanna are nowhere to be found. The movie doesn’t give us the death scenes we would like and the effects we do get are forgettable. Overall, Hantu Ambulance is a missed opportunity all around from the acting and story to the death scenes. I sincerely hate that this is the last film Suzzanna appeared in because it’s difficult to finish. I hate to say it but I would skip this one.
Special Features:
Hantu Retribution: Female Ghosts Of The Malay Archipelago – Interview With Filmmaker Katrina Irawati Graham And Dr. Rosalind Galt, Author Of Alluring Monsters: The Pontianak And Cinemas Of Decolonization
A Conversation With Director/Co-Producer David Gregory And Co-Producer Ekky Imanjaya
David Gregory Introduction At Jakarta Film Week Screening, October 2024
Trailer
The Making Of GHOST AMBULANCE
ShowBiz On Location Interviews With Cast And Crew
GHOST AMBULANCE Silet Interview With Actors Suzzanna And Clift Sangra
Promo Clips
Trailer
