Impetigore (2019)

August 5, 2024 8:07 AM

[TRAILER] A toll booth operator travels to her ancestral village in hopes of claiming an inheritance - until she discovers the unsettling truth about her past. From renowned Indonesian writer/director Joko Anwar.

Starring Tara Basro, Marissa Anita, Christine Hakim, Asmara Abigail, Ario Bayu.

Original Indonesian title: Perempuan Tanah Jahanam.

Written and directed by Joko Anwar. Produced by Shanty Harmayn, Tia Hasibuan, Aoura Lovenson Chandra, Ben Soebiakto for Rapi Films. Cinematography by Ical Tanjung. Edited by Dinda Amanda. Music by Bembi Gusti, Mian Tiara, Tony Merle, Aghi Narottama.

92% fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Currently streaming in the US on Shudder and Hoopla. JustWatch listing.

posted by DirtyOldTown (6 comments total)

Right at the top of the page: this is not one of those cases where you should interpret a 90+% fresh on RT as an indication that people think of this film as a 9 out of 10. If you read the reviews, they definitely do not. It is, however, a case where 9 out of 10 reviewers think this is worth seeing.

This movie has a five stars out of five opening to a four star first half, that starts sagging immediately in the second half when the exposition dump hits. It's not enough to ruin the experience, but it did change my opinion from "This might be a classic!" to "This was solid, with some real high points."

Joko's visual sense continues to be top tier. And his use of Indonesian mythology, culture, and locales continues to make him a distinct voice.
posted by DirtyOldTown at 8:12 AM on August 5 [2 favorites]

I've stared at your comments like three times now with an empty comment box, and I have nothing to add. Your criticism is spot on and jives 100% with my viewing experience.
posted by mrphancy at 11:36 AM on August 5 [2 favorites]

Opening sequence is the best part.
posted by Ideefixe at 12:48 PM on August 5 [2 favorites]

I liked the creepy village best. Very solid flick.
posted by umber vowel at 2:11 PM on August 5 [1 favorite]

Huh I thought I had posted this but I guess I didn't.

Agree with (almost) everyone abt finding the opening excellent but downhill from there!
posted by fleacircus at 2:55 AM on August 6

Yup you nailed DOT. It's definitely worth watching.
posted by miss-lapin at 6:02 PM on August 6