'Baghead' Review: A Classic Horror Tale with Unique Visuals

Thomas Rizal
February 6, 2024 | 11:33 am
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A scene from the horror movie "Baghead". (Photo courtesy of The Picture Company/Vertigo Entertainment)
A scene from the horror movie "Baghead". (Photo courtesy of The Picture Company/Vertigo Entertainment)

Jakarta. "Baghead," the latest film from The Picture Company and Vertigo Entertainment, made its premiere in Indonesian cinemas on Tuesday. Directed by Alberto Corredor, the horror movie boasts visually unique cinematography, although its narrative feels rigid and cliched.

Adapted from Corredor's 2017 short film of the same name, "Baghead" appears to experiment similarly to "Talk to Me" (2023), utilizing the same technical approaches and elements.

After her father's death, Iris Lark (Freya Allan) inherits a dilapidated pub in Berlin. Trying to uncover her distant connection to her late father, Iris embarks on a journey to claim her inheritance.

By signing a peculiar ancient deed, Iris not only inherits the mysterious pub but also all the mystical entities within it, especially the guardian of the underground, Baghead. This creature can shape-shift into the deceased, allowing the summoner to communicate with the dead for two minutes, with payment to the pub owner—now Iris.

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Neil (Jeremy Irvine), a man willing to pay a high price to speak with his deceased wife, entangles Iris into a stronger bond with Baghead. Alongside her friend Katie (Ruby Barker), they must find a way to destroy the mystical creature before falling into a more ominous danger.

Alberto Corredor brings a unique visual touch to "Baghead." With consistent cinematography, the film effectively captures darkness and tension, creating a fitting horror atmosphere. The use of effects and sound enhances the intensity, especially when confronted with the presence of Baghead.

Unfortunately, the 95-minute film's narrative feels rigid and reminiscent of existing horror films. Some plot elements are predictable, diminishing the surprise factor.

Despite its innovative concept, the execution falls short narratively. The lack of character depth and intentionally obscured mystery backgrounds and revelations make Baghead less impactful as a horror film.

In terms of acting, Freya Allan, previously known for "The Witcher" series, delivers a solid performance as Iris, portraying her character's struggles and resilience. Ruby Barker also provides a convincing performance as her friend, along with Jeremy Irvine, who adds a unique twist to the film.

Despite its shortcomings, "Bagheadsuccessfully creates tension that is enjoyable for the audience. While not breaking new ground, "Bagheadstill offers an entertaining experience, especially for horror enthusiasts.

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