Temurun starts with exposition on Dewi and Sena, brother and sister. Dewi for the most part takes care of her mother, who is mentally ill. Or at least that is what it seems like. For Dewi this doesn't matter much as she loves her mother very much. Sena, is resentful towards his mother and indirectly to his sister.
Disaster strikes when two robbers come to their home and want the money back they are owed. The dire consequence is that the mother gets killed. You would think that Sena would be more compassionate. Then again, Sena seems to be in this everlasting state of mind where he still resents his sister. After the tragedy, the father shows up and wants to take them in. Sena is welcoming him with open arms but now Dewi is hesitant. And she does have a point. Why didn't he reach out before? As it turns out that the new household consisting of the father, loyal workers and their grandma (the boss) is not quite what it seems.
It's very apparent what's going on. The mystery is not that complicated. But even if you were fooled, the film tells you from time to time what you need to know. I think this is where misdirection could have helped improve this film. Since this was the first proper film Inarah Syarafina has directed, I don't think you can fault her for not building up the intrigue even more. The little we have is compelling enough. I do appreciate that the few bits of creepy scenes are effective. They aren't overdone and might be the saving grace of the film. Plus, the actors do a good job of being humans with complex emotions.
Overall, Temurun is a morality tale that plays out as it should. It's enjoyable while it lasts.*
* I revised my original review a bit to avoid mild spoilers. You can read the uncensored review on my website. Here you can also read other reviews of Indonesian horror films.
Disaster strikes when two robbers come to their home and want the money back they are owed. The dire consequence is that the mother gets killed. You would think that Sena would be more compassionate. Then again, Sena seems to be in this everlasting state of mind where he still resents his sister. After the tragedy, the father shows up and wants to take them in. Sena is welcoming him with open arms but now Dewi is hesitant. And she does have a point. Why didn't he reach out before? As it turns out that the new household consisting of the father, loyal workers and their grandma (the boss) is not quite what it seems.
It's very apparent what's going on. The mystery is not that complicated. But even if you were fooled, the film tells you from time to time what you need to know. I think this is where misdirection could have helped improve this film. Since this was the first proper film Inarah Syarafina has directed, I don't think you can fault her for not building up the intrigue even more. The little we have is compelling enough. I do appreciate that the few bits of creepy scenes are effective. They aren't overdone and might be the saving grace of the film. Plus, the actors do a good job of being humans with complex emotions.
Overall, Temurun is a morality tale that plays out as it should. It's enjoyable while it lasts.*
* I revised my original review a bit to avoid mild spoilers. You can read the uncensored review on my website. Here you can also read other reviews of Indonesian horror films.