Watch Dead Time: Kala
- 2007
- 1 hr 42 min
-
7.0 (1,093)
Dead Time: Kala is a psychological thriller movie from 2007 directed by Joko Anwar. The movie stars Donny Alamsyah, Fachry Albar, and Ario Bayu in the lead roles. The movie is set in Jakarta, Indonesia, and revolves around the story of a group of friends who are forced to confront their past when they get trapped in a haunted hotel.
The story begins with a group of friends - Ardi (Ario Bayu), Bimo (Fachry Albar), Coki (Jose Rizal Mantovani), Deden (Rendy Khrisna), and two female friends - who decide to spend the night at an old, abandoned hotel in Jakarta. The hotel, called "Hotel Victoria," was once a grand establishment meant for celebrities and wealthy businessmen but was now under disrepair and was infamous for its spooky tales.
As soon as they enter the hotel, they begin to experience strange occurrences, and things start to go awry. They find themselves locked in the hotel with no means of escape. As they try to find their way out, they come across several ghosts and supernatural entities that haunt the hotel.
The movie uses a non-linear narrative structure, with flashbacks that provide insight into the past of the characters, revealing their individual demons and their troubled pasts. The characters slowly begin to unravel as they confront their inner demons, and the hotel becomes a reflection of their personal hell.
The acting performances of the cast are exceptional, and they do justice to their characters' complexities. Each character is haunted by their past, and the movie explores their journeys of coming to terms with their past and trying to overcome their fears, regrets, and traumas. Ardi, the protagonist, is a photographer who is still reeling from the death of his wife, and his guilt consumes him. Bimo, a video game addict, is hiding a dark secret, while Coki is a struggling actor who is grappling with his career and his sexual orientation.
The movie's pacing is slow but deliberate, which makes the build-up to the climax all the more satisfying. The visuals and the sound design are also awe-inspiring, with each ghost having a unique appearance and backstory. The hotel itself is also a character in the movie, with its creepy ambiance and eerie atmosphere.
What sets Dead Time: Kala apart from other horror movies is its unique approach to horror storytelling. The movie is not just about jump scares and gory scenes, but it is about exploring the psychological frights of the characters. The ghosts and supernatural elements are just a manifestation of the character's fears and trauma.
Overall, Dead Time: Kala is a well-crafted psychological thriller that will keep the audience engaged until the very end. The movie's exploration of guilt, trauma, and personal demons, coupled with its unique approach to horror storytelling, make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.