THE sequel to 2023 Indonesian horror flick Waktu Maghrib returns with an ambitious attempt to dig deeper into the myth of Ummu Sibyan, a demonic entity that emerges when curses are uttered
during the twilight call to prayer. But where the original managed to maintain a strong grip on psychological fear and mythological roots, Waktu Maghrib 2 feels more like a fever dream, disjointed, overly dramatic and often unintentionally hilarious.
Plot
Directed by Sidharta Tata, the story is set in the haunted rural village of Giritirto, decades after the events of the first film. A group of teenagers, Yogo, Dewo, Wulan and others find themselves at the centre of a new supernatural threat after tempers flare during a football match.
As dusk sets in, they shout vulgarities and curse one another during the sacred time of Maghrib, unknowingly inviting an ancient curse. Not long after, one of them becomes possessed, setting off a chain of chaotic, often confusing, supernatural events.
Ummu Sibyan, the central demon, is revived as a terrifying force plaguing the village, but instead of a coherent progression of terror, the film hops from one screamfest to another without much rhyme or reason. Scenes abruptly change tones, timelines blur without explanation, and most of the emotional beats are undercut by unintentional comedy.
Cast and characters
If there is anything worth applauding in Waktu Maghrib 2, it is the children. The young cast members bring genuine energy and commitment to their roles, even when the story falters. One standout is the little girl (Wulan), played by Anantya Kirana, who displays impressive emotional range from wide-eyed innocence to unsettling dread. Her performance grounds several scenes, giving the audience something to hold onto amid the film’s supernatural frenzy.
