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Writer's pictureFaiz Faisal

Movie Review: Salem's Lot & Thaghut



Salem's Lot (2024) brings Stephen King’s classic vampire novel back to life in a way that’s both visually stunning and downright creepy. Directed by Gary Dauberman, this movie gives us vampires that truly feel like a threat—eerie, monstrous, and not at all the romanticized versions we often see today. If you’re into dark, atmospheric horror with terrifying bloodsuckers, you’ll probably find a lot to like here.


The film's cinematography is definitely a standout. The shots capture the eerie small-town vibe of Jerusalem’s Lot, making the town itself feel like a character in the story. Every corner of this place feels drenched in dread, adding to the suspense. There’s a slow build to the horror, and when the vampires show up, they don’t disappoint. These aren’t your suave, charming vampires—they’re grotesque and frightening, which I absolutely loved. The film really nailed the feeling that these creatures are not to be trifled with.


Lewis Pullman does a solid job as the lead, Ben Mears, the writer returning to his hometown. His performance holds the movie together well enough, but I wouldn’t say the acting is the film’s strongest point. What kept me hooked was the growing sense of doom and how well the supernatural horror was portrayed visually.


However, the movie does have its flaws. The pacing can be a bit slow at times, which might make some viewers lose interest before the real terror kicks in. The film takes its time setting up the story, and while I appreciated that as a fan of moody, atmospheric horror, it might not work for everyone. The plot also felt a bit predictable, but since I hadn’t seen the earlier adaptations, I went in without expectations and still found myself enjoying the ride.


Overall, Salem's Lot delivers as a solid vampire flick, especially if you’re into the horror genre and love creepy, well-shot visuals. It’s not a perfect film, but the vampires alone make it worth a watch. I’m giving it a 6/10—good, but with room for improvement, especially in pacing and character depth. That said, it’s one of my favorite vampire adaptations in a long time, and it definitely gave me chills!



Thaghut is an Indonesian horror film that blends supernatural scares with a storyline that cuts a bit deeper than your average horror flick. While it shares some similarities with other Indonesian horror movies, it still manages to stand out, especially with its bold and gory approach. One of the more unique twists is that the main character turns out to be the antagonist herself—a refreshing shift from the usual horror movie tropes.


The supernatural element is strong in Thaghut, and if you love gory, fast-paced horror, this movie doesn’t disappoint. The blood-soaked moments and intense visuals reminded me of The Evil Dead in the best way possible. It keeps the tension high, with moments that will definitely make you squirm, and the pacing is just right. There’s hardly any downtime, which works well for the film's overall vibe.


What really impressed me was how the movie dared to explore a theme that many shy away from: the misuse of religious authority. It’s a heavy subject, and Thaghut tackles it head-on by showing how some people hide behind a religious figure to mislead and control others. In today’s world, it’s a reality that not many films have the guts to address, especially given the sensitivity around the topic. I have to applaud the filmmakers for shedding light on something that feels relevant yet controversial.


That said, while Thaghut is entertaining, I couldn’t help but notice that it falls into familiar patterns typical of other Indonesian horror movies. It’s a good film, but the formula is a little too recognizable. Still, the goriness and the fresh take on the antagonist’s journey make it worth a watch, even if it doesn’t break entirely new ground.


Overall, I’d give Thaghut a solid 6/10. It’s got some great moments, a bold storyline, and intense visuals, but it doesn’t quite escape the shadow of other films in the genre. If you’re into supernatural horror with a bit of gore and a deeper message, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

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