The Indonesian horror film “May the Devil Take You” (original title: ‘Sebelum Iblis Menjemput’) from the director Timo Tjahjanto (“The Night Comes for Us“) is a mixture of all kinds of horror movies. While the movie has many horrifying moments filled with gore and jump-scares, it never really comes out strong because of an unimpressive plotline.

Timo Tjahjanto’s earlier Netflix ultra-bloodshed action-fest The Night Comes for Us has naturally prompted us to expect more from the director, but his latest horror flick is more of a mishmash of too many things. While initially, it gives us the feel of a psychological thriller, it soon turns side to show more sinister representation with things like black magic and demonic possession.

Watch the movie trailer for “May the Devil Take You”

“May the Devil Take You” follows Alfie who lives outside her family after her mother’s death and her father’s second marriage. After many years, when one day she receives a call from her half-sister informing their father’s mysterious illness, she visits her father in the hospital, and there she starts experiencing spooky things.

While her reunion with her family was not that great, Alfie later visits her father’s old villa. While her stepmother and her stepsister were more into finding saleable objects in the old house, Alfie was more attracted to her old memories. Their trip to the now dilapidated remote house turns into a nightmare when they come to know the secrets of the haunted house. Alfie and her extended family now must face the horrifying truth from the past.

Here is a short review of “May the Devil Take You”

“May the Devil Take You” is more of a traditional horror film with some usual scares. What works in the film is the evil entity sans any form of exorcism or attempts to control the paranormal activity. However, the same things limit the overall experience. With the rapid evolution of the horror genre, we no more expect any usual jump scare, but rather situations that are scary.

It is one of those films that is good enough for anyone to watch alone at midnight hours but not among those year-round scary films. Nevertheless, Timo Tjahjanto has continued his knack for the portrayal of blood and gore with some blunt occult violence. Moreover, all the actors performed well to support the rapid pace of the film, although the plotline looks thin. That itself must have been a challenge for everyone.

Starring: Chelsea Islan, Pevita Pearce, Samo Rafael
Genres: International Films, Horror Films, Supernatural Horror Films
Director: Timo Tjahjanto
Cinematography: Batara Goempar
Language: Indonesian
Release Date: August 9, 2018

Where to watch May the Devil Take You (2018)