Introduction

Indonesian horror is something I’ve been growing more accustomed to lately. While I’ve long explored Japanese, Korean, and Thai horror, it wasn’t until I watched Netflix’s Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams that I felt inspired to dive deeper into Indonesia’s horror scene. Right on cue, Well Go USA sent us here at SunsetNerdVerse a digital screener of the upcoming film SOUL REAPER (known as Respati in Indonesia), directed by Sidharta Tata.

I went in completely blind—no trailer, no expectations—and descended into this supernatural tale with curiosity. Is SOUL REAPER the next standout in Southeast Asian horror, or does the genre still need a stronger showing from Indonesia? Let’s find out in my full review of SOUL REAPER, coming digitally on June 17th, 2025. Big thanks to Well Go USA for the early access!

Story

Don’t go into SOUL REAPER expecting a live-action take on Bleach. Instead, the film centers on a teen named Respati, who begins experiencing terrifying visions—ones that seem like mere nightmares until he realizes they predict real deaths. These aren’t simple premonitions, either. They’re nightmarish glimpses into horrific fates, and Respati quickly finds himself thrust into a dangerous mystery tied to the dream realm and urban legend.

The movie uses this setup well, delivering visions that blend surreal horror and eerie realism. I was caught off guard more than once by the nightmare sequences, which escalate with chilling precision. That said, the film takes nearly 40 minutes to truly pick up momentum. The pacing drags a bit as Respati’s powers are slowly explained, and exposition-heavy dialogue starts to interrupt the flow. This kind of lull is common in horror movies—regardless of the country—and unfortunately SOUL REAPER isn’t exempt.

Fortunately, the final act brings the horror back in full force. Though the story dips into cliché territory—especially in the last 30 minutes—the overall mystery remains engaging. At times, SOUL REAPER feels more like a supernatural thriller than a straight horror film, and that shift works in its favor.

Acting and Cast

I won’t claim to be an expert on Indonesian cinema, but even without cultural context, Devano Danendra shines as Respati. He fully sells the psychological toll of his visions—conveying panic, exhaustion, and fear with sincerity. Keisya Levronka, as Wulan, also delivers a solid performance as Respati’s friend and ally.

Unfortunately, the supporting cast is a mixed bag. Mikha Hernan as Tirta shifts uncomfortably between comic relief and forced seriousness, which dilutes key emotional scenes. Meanwhile, side characters like the grandfather and caretaker feel underwritten, and their performances lean into familiar genre tropes. While nothing was terrible, the emotional weight largely rests on Danendra’s shoulders—and thankfully, he carries it well.

Cinematography and Direction

What’s scary varies from person to person, but SOUL REAPER uses visual horror masterfully. The film avoids relying too heavily on jump scares or loud sound cues. Instead, the cinematography leans into unsettling transitions, surreal dream logic, and unexpected reveals.

Director Sidharta Tata deserves major praise for keeping the tension high. Whether it’s a slow walk through a dark forest or a quiet moment at home, the camera work constantly plays with expectations. You’re never quite sure whether you’re seeing the real world or a waking nightmare—and that ambiguity is genuinely frightening. Fans of Ringu or Ju-On will spot some familiar cues—cracking joints, eerie figures, and sudden distortions—but the execution feels fresh.

Conclusion

SOUL REAPER is an intriguing and atmospheric Indonesian horror-thriller that doesn’t always stick the landing but still delivers a satisfying experience. While it’s held back by slow pacing and a few predictable turns, the strong visual direction and compelling premise help it rise above standard genre fare.

Devano Danendra anchors the film with a strong lead performance, and the movie’s dreamlike horror elements bring a fresh perspective to the genre. If you’re looking for something beyond the typical jump-scare fest and want to explore a different corner of international horror, SOUL REAPER is worth your time. Be sure to check it out when it releases digitally on June 17th, 2025.