Is Lukisan Ratu Kidul Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2019)
Dimas and Satria Soedibyo actually has many questions when their father died: their grandfather; Rusdi Soedibyo, is a famous painter in the 80s, the death of their mother who was never told, the house that is now suddenly passed on to them, also about a painting hidden in the house. Dimas invites his wife and child, Astrid and Sandra, to visit the house to find answers. Satria finds various items that make him sure, that the house might have been occupied by them as a child. In that house, when the night comes, appeares the figure of a woman dressed in Javanese nobility, who haunting Satria. Dimas actually want to sell the house to a collector who believes that there is a very high value painting in the house. The painting is later discovered by Sandra. The Queen of South painting by the grandfather was the source of the Soedibyo family's disaster for decades. The figure behind the painting now threatens the safety of Dimas, Satria, Astrid and Sandra.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of Horror cinema, then Lukisan Ratu Kidul offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 2019 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
Debuting in 2019, Lukisan Ratu Kidul represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Horror category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Dimas and Satria Soedibyo actually has many questions when their father died: their grandfather; Rusdi Soedibyo, is a famous painter in the 80s, the death of their mother who was never told, the house that is now suddenly passed on to them, also about a painting hidden in the house. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Dimas and Satria Soedibyo actually has many questions when their father died: their grandfather; Rusdi Soedibyo, is a famous painter in the 80s, the death of their mother who was never told, the house that is now suddenly passed on to them, also about a painting hidden in the house. Dimas invites his wife and child, Astrid and Sandra, to visit the house to find answers. Satria finds various items that make him sure, that the house might have been occupied by them as a child. In that house, when the night comes, appeares the figure of a woman dressed in Javanese nobility, who haunting Satria. Dimas actually want to sell the house to a collector who believes that there is a very high value painting in the house. The painting is later discovered by Sandra. The Queen of South painting by the grandfather was the source of the Soedibyo family's disaster for decades. The figure behind the painting now threatens the safety of Dimas, Satria, Astrid and Sandra."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Lukisan Ratu Kidul, we see Teuku Zacky Azwar utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.
The direction by Ginanti Rona is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is Lukisan Ratu Kidul truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Horror, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, Lukisan Ratu Kidul explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2019 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Ginanti Rona respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, Lukisan Ratu Kidul is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Teuku Zacky Azwar or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Lukisan Ratu Kidul is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.5 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.