Interchange

Interchange is a 2016 Malaysian-Indonesian fantasy thriller movie that is a spectacular blend of crime, drama, mystery, and supernatural elements, directed by Dain Iskandar Said. The film features an ensemble cast that includes extraordinary performances from Shaheizy Sam, Nicholas Saputra, Prisia Nasution, among others.

The film excellently oscillates between the present and the forgotten past, linking both poles with a supernatural touch. It portrays a story deeply seated in the ancient and indigenous mythical dimension, transplanted into contemporary times within a police procedural context.

Shaheizy Sam plays Adam, a former crime scene photographer who has become reclusive after witnessing too many gruesome crime scenes. He displays an ailment symptomatic of absorbing the fear and violence that he has photographed over time. His mundane life takes a sudden turn when superstitious events start affecting him, thus dragging him back into the chilling world of crime.

The narrative unfolds around a series of uncanny, ritualistic murders happening around the modern city of Kuala Lumpur, wherein the victims are found with their slaughtered birds. The peculiar element is that the wounds on the HR Department Inspector and his investigating team match the purported totemic crimes of the past, recreating a complex, ancient ritual from tribal lore.

Nicholas Saputra plays a mysteriously charming man named Iva, hailing from an unknown tribe called the Bajau. Drenched in mystery and enigma, Iva is an alluring figure whose connection with the trail of murders keeps the story's intrigue intact. Iva's character further generates narrative tension due to his peculiar ability to project his soul in the form of a bird, thereby exploring the indigenous folks' perspective of 'soul aviation.'

Prisia Nasution portrays Belian, a young woman with emotional depth and an ambiguous relationship with both Adam and Iva. As the narrative unfolds, she straddles between her allegiances towards both characters, further escalating the plot's twists.

Interchange intriguingly portrays a dialogue between the past and the present, the supernatural and the real, the indigenous and the urban. It presents a commentary on tribal trauma and colonization, drawing attention towards the erasure of the indigenous folk culture by the urban modern society. The movie uses the supernatural medium to depict the indigenous struggle against historical violence and cultural appropriation.

Interchange skillfully balances its storyline between the mystery of the unknown tribal world and the grim reality of the urban crime scene. The clear emphasis on aspects like crime scene photography, forensic investigation, totems, and tribal rituals lends the movie a noir aesthetic and sets it apart from a conventional fantasy thriller.

The movie's cinematography is notable as it brings the mysterious supernatural and harsh reality scenes to life, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The hazy visuals, the haunting mythic realms, and the stark contrast between city landscapes and dark dense forests add to the movie’s chilling suspense. The brilliant blend of spectral figures and photographs, traditional mythology, and the hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying backdrop of the modern city creates a peculiarly uncanny aesthetic that lingers long after the movie ends.

Furthermore, Interchange is bolstered by compelling performances from its lead cast. Shaheizy Sam’s portrayal of the reclusive, tormented Adam is commendable, as is Nicholas Saputra's Iva - an enigmatic figure that brings an eerie presence. Prisia Nasution also excels as the conflicted Belian, whose character adds depth to the narrative.

Interchange is a visual narrative that intelligently straddles the realms of police procedural, tribal folklore, supernatural, and horror. The mixing of Borneo's indigenous tribal folklore with contemporary urban life successfully conjures an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere that entrances and mystifies in equal measure. The film is a must-watch for fans of crime and mystery, as well as those intrigued by indigenous mythology and folklore, effectively intertwined with suspense and drama. It’s as much a commentary on historical violence as it is a rollercoaster of twists and turns.