The 3rd Eye

The 2017 Indonesian horror movie, The 3rd Eye, brings together actors Jessica Mila, Denny Sumargo, and Citra Prima in a terrifying, thrilling, and engaging narrative. This film, directed by Rocky Soraya, dives into the paranormal world and combines the darker elements of horror with an exploration of Indonesian folklore and spiritual aspects of the third eye.

The 3rd Eye opens up a rich narrative realm centered on sisters Abel (Jessica Mila) and Alia (Denny Sumargo). After the death of their parents, they relocate back to their family's ancestral home, a large, ancient, and seemingly ominous house that holds generations of their family history. The transition is not just a physical move but sets in motion a sequence of events that drag the sisters into investigating their family's enigmatic past, which is steeply entrenched in spiritualism, mysticism, and unexplained occurrences.

The plotline unravels as they explore the bygone, revealing eerie and well-kept family secrets that ultimately lead them to an unlocked mystery: the 'third eye'. The third eye, in various cultures and spiritual schools of thought, is usually associated with clairvoyance, religious visions, and the ability to observe chakras and auras. This is a spiritual gateway to a realm that's hidden from ordinary sight but opens up to the extraordinary. The sisters find themselves in possession of this gift (or curse).

Jessica Mila's character Abel is particularly vulnerable to these supernatural occurrences since she was born with the 'third eye' already open, and as such, has been subjected to these ghostly encounters since her childhood. Though it initially fuels fear and anxiety, Abel gradually learns to understand it as her life becomes entangled with the unseen world around her.

Incorporating a psychological divergence, the character Alia, played by Denny Sumargo, decides to take the brave decision to open her third eye to understand her sister's plight better. Her character arc reflects courage, empathy, and a sense of responsibility towards her sister, an important underlying theme throughout the movie. Alia is aided in her journey by a spiritual guide, Mrs. Windu (Citra Prima), who guides her through the process of opening her third eye. Citra Prima's character is calm, collected, and mysterious, offering viewers an intriguing guide through the narrative, offering a mature perspective on the movie's supernatural aspects.

The 3rd Eye is more than an average horror movie; it pushes the boundaries of traditional horror storytelling and aims to educate its audience on the widely recognized but seldom understood concept of the 'third eye.' Despite the grim and suspenseful setting, the movie inherently explores the relationship between siblings, the courage to face their worst fears, and the power of unity during adversity. From this perspective, it drifts slightly to incorporate elements of family drama and psychological thriller themes.

One of the outstanding aspects of The 3rd Eye is its stunning visual aesthetics and effects. The well-executed cinematography breathes life into the seemingly haunted house, transforming it into a character itself. The suspense is skillfully built through the clever usage of lighting, chilling background score, and evocative performances from the lead casts, making this film an impressive piece of the horror genre.

The haunting performances by Jessica Mila, Denny Sumargo, and Citra Prima come together in unison to unweave a plot that keeps its audience on the edge of their seats. The 3rd Eye successfully combines the thrill of traditional horror with complex themes of spirituality and the supernatural. It’s a modern horror film that doesn’t shy away from classic horror roots, providing viewers with a culturally rich and exciting cinematic experience.

In conclusion, The 3rd Eye is a horror film rich in narrative content, well-structured characterizations, and stunning visual creativity. It proves to be a satisfying watch for lovers of horror film and anyone who appreciates a well-executed exploration of unique cultural folklore.