Dancing Village: The Curse Begins

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Dancing Village: The Curse Begins

Released Apr 26, 2024

2h 2m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

73%

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11 Reviews

56%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In this horror-thriller, a shaman instructs Mila to return a mystical bracelet, the Kawaturih, to the “Dancing Village,” a remote site on the easternmost tip of Java Island. Joined by her cousin, Yuda, and his friends Jito and Arya, Mila arrives on the island only to discover that the village elder has passed away, and that the new guardian, Mbah Buyut, isn’t present. Various strange and eerie events occur while awaiting Mbah Buyut’s return, including Mila being visited by Badarawuhi, a mysterious, mythical being who rules the village. When she decides to return the Kawaturih without the help of Mgah Buyut, Mila threatens the village’s safety, and she must join a ritual to select the new “Dawuh,” a cursed soul forced to dance for the rest of her life.

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Troy Ribeiro

Free Press Journal (India)

The film’s technical strengths stand out. The sound design—hushed whispers and the jungle’s rhythmic hum—builds tension, while the ethereal score enhances unsettling moments.

Rated: 3.5/5

Sep 30, 2024

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Abhishek Srivastava

The Times of India

The film lacks any standout performances, and while Kimo Stamboel successfully crafts a haunting atmosphere, his direction doesn't go beyond that achievement.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 23, 2024

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

With artful cinematography and a foreboding music score, this horror movie excels in immersing viewers in a sinister forest atmosphere where the terror takes place. It's a memorable story about an evil ghost witch and generational curses.

May 7, 2024

Full Review

Matt Donato

Collider

It's a shame, but Dancing Village: The Curse Begins is a prequel that spends way too long busting the same moves horror fans have witnessed for decades. Stamboel’s direction lacks urgency, alarm, and invigoration.

Rated: 5/10

May 6, 2024

Full Review

Andrew Mack

ScreenAnarchy

It is the type of horror movie for folks who are looking for something creepy and not heart-stopping scary. ... What it may be missing for some in jump scares it makes up for with a persistent creepiness, forbidding atmosphere and spooky mystery.

May 1, 2024

Full Review

Sarah Musnicky

Creepy Kingdom

While it takes arguably too long for the action to kick into gear, DANCING VILLAGE: THE CURSE BEGINS is a fitting prequel for those unfamiliar with the world of this Indonesian horror.

Rated: 3/5

Apr 30, 2024

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H Q

Like being in a seductive nightmare. Not for the culturally challenged, so make sure and open that thing called the mind.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

04/28/24

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Hugo S

In order to lift a curse affecting her mother's health, a girl has to deliver a magical bracelet to an elder in a faraway vilage. The expedition takes a dark turn when the girl, accompanied by three friends, finds out the local shaman is dead. The group must confront a demon who controls the locals by using malevolent powers. "Dancing Village: The Curse Begins" is a horror movie with folklore and pagan themes. The viewer is taken on a slow-burn journey that culminates in a tragic but satisfying ending. Despite its atmospheric setting, the movie does not match the greatness of other horror gems produced in Indonesia ("Impetigore" and "Satan's Slaves").

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

Full Review

K K

The movie made me think, had some gross moments, was creative, and told a story that had many interesting metaphors. Rather than a typical American "scary" formula, this was artistic!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/02/24

Full Review

Miftah 1

Unexpectedly Good, as a prequel actually you don't need to see the sequel, the story telling is very good, the ending, is sooo culture artistic, Also Badarawuhi Acting is the best Villain ever!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/01/24

Full Review

Carmen S

The ending is soo colosal and good, Thr story flow also good,

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/30/24

Full Review

Andrian A

Good Quality visual, but not the story

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

04/29/24

Full Review

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Kimo Stamboel

Director

Aulia Sarah

Badarawuhi

Maudy Effrosina

Mila

Jourdy Pranata

Yuda

M. Iqbal Sulaiman

Jito

Ardit Erwandha

Arya

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Dancing Village: The Curse Begins: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In this horror-thriller, a shaman instructs Mila to return a mystical bracelet, the Kawaturih, to the “Dancing Village,” a remote site on the easternmost tip of Java Island. Joined by her cousin, Yuda, and his friends Jito and Arya, Mila arrives on the island only to discover that the village elder has passed away, and that the new guardian, Mbah Buyut, isn’t present. Various strange and eerie events occur while awaiting Mbah Buyut’s return, including Mila being visited by Badarawuhi, a mysterious, mythical being who rules the village. When she decides to return the Kawaturih without the help of Mgah Buyut, Mila threatens the village’s safety, and she must join a ritual to select the new “Dawuh,” a cursed soul forced to dance for the rest of her life.

Director: Kimo Stamboel
Producer: Manoj Punjabi
Screenwriter: Lele Laila
Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Co: MD Pictures, Pichouse Films
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Indonesian
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 26, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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