An auspicious, atmospheric first feature that knows how to co-opt generic conventions and a richly cinematic style, in order to illuminate some of the the darkest recesses of Indonesia’s recent history.

At the end of the film, it may seem like it has been Rakib’s story to ascent. It may also be the story of how corruption is a river that will find a way to keep flowing, even to descent.

This beautifully shot widescreen drama is quiet, unhurried yet taut, drawing maximum impact from a relatively simple story and minimal dialogue.

...asks some mighty questions about the need to recognize the capacity to do bad in ourselves before we can, hopefully, move forward, be better. Does a repressed society need to tap into their own dark side in order to exorcise the demons of the past?