The 3rd Eye 2

The 3rd Eye 2 is a 2019 Indonesian supernatural horror flick directed by Rocky Soraya and starring Jessica Mila, Nabilah Ratna Ayu Azalia, and Sophia Latjuba. It is a sequel to 2017’s The 3rd Eye, or Mata Batin as it is known in Indonesian. Like its predecessor, the film dives deep into the realm of the supernatural, exploring the concept of the mysterious "third eye," capable of seeing beyond the physical world and into the spirit realm.

In this sequel, Jessica Mila reprises her role as Alia, a young woman with the ability to see ghosts. This paranormal gift, also known as the "third eye," is one revered and feared alike in Indonesian culture. Embarking on a chilling journey of self-awareness and acceptance, Alia is pushed to confront her fears, battling not only external obstacles but also the internal struggles that are more haunting.

Alia decides to leave her old life behind after her parents' deaths. She moves into an orphanage as a volunteer, looking for solace and contentment amidst the innocent laughter and simple life outlooks of the children. The orphanage, owned by a well-respected woman, Mrs. Laksmi (Sophia Latjuba), and her husband Mr. Fadli (Jeremy Thomas), provides a seemingly perfect environment of warmth and love where Alia hoped to heal.

However, Alia's plan of a simple, serene life does not pan out the way she expected. Her "third eye," which she thought she had successfully suppressed, begins to open against her will. As Alia starts seeing things that are beyond the abilities of normal human perception in this new environment, she realizes that the orphanage is not as peaceful as it seems.

Alia shares her room with Nadia (Nabilah Ayu), a little girl who is also endowed with the same "third eye" gift. Nadia’s character adds a unique twist to the plot. The bonding between Alia and Nadia, two individuals on a similar journey amid a world of the supernatural, forms an intriguing aspect of the movie.

The 3rd Eye 2 masterfully incorporates the rich folklore and beliefs of Indonesia into its narrative. Enriched by local culture, the film transcends the barrier of language and geography, making it a unique horror tale that resonates with a worldwide audience. It is certainly more than just a rundown of screeching ghosts and terrifying visions. It adds depth to its horror elements by weaving in stories of human emotions, fear, courage, acceptance, and growth.

The director, Rocky Soraya, is known for his meticulous directing style, making horror more than just about cheap thrills and jump scares. In The 3rd Eye 2, Soraya skillfully builds suspense, deploying a slow-burn technique that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats. The plot oscillates between calm and eerie, giving audiences an unsettling sense of anticipation throughout the entire movie.

The cast delivers a commendable performance. Jessica Mila, reprising her role as Alia, illustrates her character's emotional journey exceptionally. Sophia Latjuba, as Mrs. Laksmi, brings an air of elegance and mystery to the role with her strong performance. Young Nabilah Ayu gives an impressive display in her challenging role as Nadia.

The 3rd Eye 2 is also visually stunning. The movie utilizes artful cinematography and special effects to create a hauntingly beautiful world teeming with ghosts. It is not simply a film thrown into darkness and cloaked with inexplicable eerie sounds, instead, it explores different visual aspects, like abandoned hallways, shadowy corners of dimly lit rooms, and mysterious backgrounds, to instigate fear.

The film explores more than just typical horror, at its core, it's about self-discovery, acceptance, and finding inner strength. These core messages, coupled with a well-drawn narrative and fantastic performances, make The 3rd Eye 2 a compelling watch. It is a well-crafted representative of Asian horror cinema, one that is infused with cultural richness and artistic finesse.

In conclusion, The 3rd Eye 2 is a horror flick that goes beyond cheap scares and delves into a layered narrative. It is the kind of movie that lingers in your mind, impressing you with its robust storytelling, captivating performances, and its adequate usage of its cultural and supernatural elements. For those who enjoy a thoughtful, chilling cinematic experience, The 3rd Eye 2 is a must-watch.