Dancing Village: The Curse Begins

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Dancing Village: The Curse Begins

2024

2h 2m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

73%

Tomatometer

11 Reviews

50%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

In this horror-thriller, a shaman instructs Mila to return a mystical bracelet, the Kawaturih, to the “Dancing Village,” a remote site on the easternmost tip of Java Island. Joined by her cousin, Yuda, and his friends Jito and Arya, Mila arrives on the island only to discover that the village elder has passed away, and that the new guardian, Mbah Buyut, isn’t present. Various strange and eerie events occur while awaiting Mbah Buyut’s return, including Mila being visited by Badarawuhi, a mysterious, mythical being who rules the village. When she decides to return the Kawaturih without the help of Mgah Buyut, Mila threatens the village’s safety, and she must join a ritual to select the new “Dawuh,” a cursed soul forced to dance for the rest of her life.

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Troy Ribeiro

Free Press Journal (India)

Sep 30, 2024

3.5/5

The film’s technical strengths stand out. The sound design—hushed whispers and the jungle’s rhythmic hum—builds tension, while the ethereal score enhances unsettling moments.

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Abhishek Srivastava

The Times of India

Sep 23, 2024

3/5

The film lacks any standout performances, and while Kimo Stamboel successfully crafts a haunting atmosphere, his direction doesn't go beyond that achievement.

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Carla Hay

Culture Mix

May 7, 2024

With artful cinematography and a foreboding music score, this horror movie excels in immersing viewers in a sinister forest atmosphere where the terror takes place. It's a memorable story about an evil ghost witch and generational curses.

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Matt Donato

Collider

May 6, 2024

5/10

It's a shame, but Dancing Village: The Curse Begins is a prequel that spends way too long busting the same moves horror fans have witnessed for decades. Stamboel’s direction lacks urgency, alarm, and invigoration.

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Andrew Mack

ScreenAnarchy

May 1, 2024

It is the type of horror movie for folks who are looking for something creepy and not heart-stopping scary. ... What it may be missing for some in jump scares it makes up for with a persistent creepiness, forbidding atmosphere and spooky mystery.

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Sarah Musnicky

Creepy Kingdom

Apr 30, 2024

3/5

While it takes arguably too long for the action to kick into gear, DANCING VILLAGE: THE CURSE BEGINS is a fitting prequel for those unfamiliar with the world of this Indonesian horror.

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H Q

Apr 28, 2024

Like being in a seductive nightmare. Not for the culturally challenged, so make sure and open that thing called the mind.

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Somaya Jahan T

@Toufa Dec 3, 2025

This is the awful movie I have ever seen.... 🤮🤮🤮 Please no one watch this movie.... Disgusting 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

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Hugo S

@Hugo_Shudder Dec 25, 2024

In order to lift a curse affecting her mother's health, a girl has to deliver a magical bracelet to an elder in a faraway vilage. The expedition takes a dark turn when the girl, accompanied by three friends, finds out the local shaman is dead. The group must confront a demon who controls the locals by using malevolent powers. "Dancing Village: The Curse Begins" is a horror movie with folklore and pagan themes. The viewer is taken on a slow-burn journey that culminates in a tragic but satisfying ending. Despite its atmospheric setting, the movie does not match the greatness of other horror gems produced in Indonesia ("Impetigore" and "Satan's Slaves").

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K K

@RT80481031 May 1, 2024

The movie made me think, had some gross moments, was creative, and told a story that had many interesting metaphors. Rather than a typical American "scary" formula, this was artistic!

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gery s

@Geryskakk Apr 27, 2024

good eksekusi , story no

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Synopsis

In this horror-thriller, a shaman instructs Mila to return a mystical bracelet, the Kawaturih, to the “Dancing Village,” a remote site on the easternmost tip of Java Island. Joined by her cousin, Yuda, and his friends Jito and Arya, Mila arrives on the island only to discover that the village elder has passed away, and that the new guardian, Mbah Buyut, isn’t present. Various strange and eerie events occur while awaiting Mbah Buyut’s return, including Mila being visited by Badarawuhi, a mysterious, mythical being who rules the village. When she decides to return the Kawaturih without the help of Mgah Buyut, Mila threatens the village’s safety, and she must join a ritual to select the new “Dawuh,” a cursed soul forced to dance for the rest of her life.

Director: Kimo Stamboel
Producer: Manoj Punjabi
Screenwriter: Lele Laila
Distributor: Lionsgate
Production Co: MD Pictures, Pichouse Films
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: Indonesian
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 26, 2024, Limited
Runtime: 2h 2m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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