Waktu Maghrib

This Indonesian, Islamic themed, horror film is based off a youtube short of the same name.

And seems to be fashioned as a sort of cautionary tale, for young muslims, in regards to legends that have developed around the tradition that they should not travel outside their house after dusk...unless they are going to mosque for Magrib (evening prayer).

Having been funded by Sky Media, it's not exactly a low budget undertaking.

The production quality here is excellent.

And tends to make up for some of the less solid (slightly exaggerated) acting performances.

However, it must be taken into consideration that this is a children's horror, aimed at a youth market.

Which- as a random white dude- I find to be pretty cool!

As it is a perfect story to encompass the nightmarish anxieties that any young muslim kid might have.

After a brief introduction, we find ourselves following two best friends...one of which is suffering the mental torment, from the perceived results of his actions, after one of his reactive wishes manifests into reality.

That leaves him bearing the burden of guilt.

Which, it is suggested, stems from him breaking the aforementioned taboo.

Thus opening him up to be possessed by dark, and nefarious, spiritual forces.

As a non-muslim westerner...this is honestly not something I would expect to exist.

So colour me pleasantly surprised at how good of a children's horror this really is!

Because I genuinely suspect that it would have freaked me out as a kid.

And, even as an adult, I found it to be highly entertaining...with a mild amount of gore; and some great special effects.

All-in-all, this is a great little film, no matter who you are, or how you look at it.

But I suspect it will hit especially hard with young muslims.

Either way...it's most definitely worth a watch!

6.5 out of 10.