Munafik

There has been a hype on Munafik, the ninth film directed by Syamsul Yusuf and so I decided to give it a try. With a whopping RM4.3 mil collected in just a week, I was hoping for more from this movie. 

Do not get me wrong, Syamsul created this masterpiece with brilliant cinematography, applaudable performances by the actors and CGIs that are impressive. He knows well by using an appropriate amount of CGIs without it being too unrealistic, unlike other Malay horror movies.

However, certain jumpscares are unnecessary and excessively used throughout the movie, stripping down the suspenseful environment he successfully crafted. Besides, Syamsul seems to rely more on heavy sound effects and jumpscares which were tiring.

On the side note, credit where credit's due, Munafik has its fair share of eerieness; i.e., when Ustaz Adam (Syamsul Yusuf) dug his wife's grave and dragged her dead body (savage, huh?) or during the exorcism which I might say, is far better than the one on The Conjuring. 

Overall, Munafik is above average as compared to the abundance number of local horror films. Maybe next time, if Syamsul could ditch the meaningless jump scares and focus more on the ghost itself, that would be great.

Watch this if you like: Local horror movies with Islamic elements 

Watch out for: The morgue scene which might scare the sh*t out of you (I kid you not)

Verdict: Syamsul stepped up the game for other local horror filmmakers with Munafik. I love the dialogues, the characters and the storyline. Oh, and the plot twist!

Rating: 7/10