Do You See What I See (2024)

“Do You See What I See” is an Indonesian supernatural horror film that offers a unique and entertaining take on the ghost genre, deeply rooted in local folklore. While the title may bring to mind a festive Christmas carol for many, this film is anything but merry—it’s an eerie, atmospheric ride with a refreshing cultural twist.

The plot centers around Mawar (Diandra Agatha), a university student who unknowingly finds herself entangled in a supernatural relationship with a ghost. Her friends, desperate to save her, take on the role of unwitting heroes in this chilling tale. The story itself is an intriguing concept, taking traditional ghost stories and blending them with Indonesian mythology. For viewers unfamiliar with the cultural context, this element adds depth, enriching the overall experience beyond your typical Western horror narrative.

The film’s strength lies largely in its performances, particularly from Agatha, who brings both charm and complexity to Mawar. While her portrayal is engaging, it sometimes feels as though there could have been more intensity and emotional range, especially in scenes where heightened tension would have benefited the story. That said, the chemistry between the main group of friends is palpable, and the film effectively captures their bond, grounding the story in genuine human connection amidst the supernatural chaos.

Visually, “Do You See What I See” is impressive, utilizing a mix of first-person “found footage” techniques and conventional horror cinematography to keep things dynamic. There are nods to Sam Raimi’s horror style, with inventive camera angles and visual trickery that help maintain suspense. Given that much of the action takes place in just two primary locations, the creative camerawork keeps the film from feeling stagnant.

However, where the film stumbles is in its pacing. The first act feels a little slow, with the story taking its time to build momentum, and the middle section suffers from some repetition. The film relies too heavily on cheap jump scares and leaves the audience with the feeling that it’s dragging its feet before getting to the climactic moments. This could have been an opportunity to dive deeper into character development, but unfortunately, that potential is left mostly untapped.

The film is based on a short podcast episode, which may explain why it feels stretched thin at times. Adaptations like this typically offer room to expand on the original source material, but here, that opportunity isn’t fully realized. There are also elements of the lore that remain frustratingly vague—likely familiar to an Indonesian audience but leaving international viewers a bit confused. More explanation around some plot points and mythology could have elevated the narrative significantly.

Despite its flaws, the movie redeems itself in the final act. The last sequence is thrilling, tense, and leads to a haunting, emotionally charged conclusion that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s a stark reminder of the value of exploring horror cinema beyond the American sphere, where different cultural approaches can provide fresh, compelling storytelling.

In conclusion, “Do You See What I See” is like watching a figure skater: it starts off with promise, wobbles through some rough patches, but ultimately delivers a strong finish. While it could have benefited from tighter pacing and more fleshed-out character arcs, the film’s final moments, cultural depth, and inventive cinematography make it a worthwhile watch for fans of global horror.”