May the Devil Take You

In a sea of mediocre to mostly average Hollywoodian horror films—many of which feel like recycled scripts with predictable scares and uninspired direction—there occasionally comes a refreshing surprise from outside the Western bubble. May the Devil Take You (MDTY), directed by Timo Tjahjanto, is one such surprise. Tjahjanto, no stranger to the horror genre, brings a solid Indonesian horror flick to the table that, while not perfect, manages to rise above the noise with atmosphere, folklore, and a genuinely unnerving tone. The film opens with a strong Eastern horror vibe, immediately setting itself apart from the typical Hollywood formula. It’s drenched in eerie ambiance, and the setting—a decaying rural house with a dark past—feels like a character in itself. The story centers around Alfie, a young woman grappling with the loss of her mother and a strained relationship with her father. Things take a turn when her father falls into a mysterious coma, prompting his new family to scramble for control over his assets, particularly a rural house that used to be Alfie’s childhood home. Alfie’s decision to return to the house is driven by a mix of nostalgia and unresolved tension, though the film doesn’t do a great job of making her motivations crystal clear. In fact, one of the film’s weaker points is how it leans on plot conveniences. Alfie has a dream, wakes up, and suddenly decides she needs to go to the house. That’s it. No deeper emotional trigger, no real buildup—just a dream and a decision. It’s a bit jarring, and unfortunately, that kind of narrative shortcut happens more than once. Characters also make some frustratingly dumb decisions throughout the film. They ignore obvious signs of danger, split up when they shouldn’t, and take far too long to piece together what’s happening. It’s the kind of behavior that makes you want to yell at the screen, but if you’ve watched enough horror, you know it’s part of the territory. Still, it’s worth noting that these moments do detract from the tension, especially when the audience is two steps ahead of the characters. Despite these flaws, MDTY delivers where it counts. The horror elements are steeped in Eastern tradition, which means you get a healthy dose of jumpscares, unsettling imagery, and folklore-driven terror. The CGI is hit-or-miss—sometimes it looks questionable, but other times it’s just creepy enough to work. The practical effects and makeup, however, are solid and help ground the supernatural elements in something tangible. The acting is convincing and acceptable across the board. Alfie, played with a mix of vulnerability and grit, anchors the film well. The supporting cast does their job, though some characters feel more like archetypes than fully fleshed-out people. Still, the performances are strong enough to keep you invested, especially as the stakes rise and the supernatural forces begin to reveal themselves. The ending is where things get a bit convoluted. It dives deep into Indonesian folklore and legend, which adds a rich cultural layer but might leave casual viewers scratching their heads. There’s a lot happening in the final act, and while I think it works within the context of the story, it’s definitely not a clean or straightforward resolution. That said, it’s refreshing to see a horror film embrace its roots and go all-in on its mythology rather than watering it down for broader appeal. What makes MDTY stand out is its commitment to atmosphere and tone. The film is genuinely chilling at times, especially if you’re watching it alone in a dark room. It’s not just about the scares—it’s about the creeping dread, the sense that something is deeply wrong, and the slow unraveling of a cursed legacy. The themes of grief and greed are woven throughout, giving the story a bit more weight than your average haunted house **** the end, May the Devil Take You is a flawed but compelling horror film that manages to rise above the average. It’s not perfect, and it won’t work for everyone, but if you’re tired of formulaic Western horror and want something with a bit more bite, this is worth your time. Just don’t watch it alone—grab a buddy, especially one who appreciates Eastern horror, and dive in. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised by how much this film gets right, even when it stumbles.