Dead Time

After years of natural disasters, corruption, and lawlessness, an unnamed country finds itself in moral and political turmoil. Some people begin to take justice into their own hands, while others turn to religion hoping that their promised leader arrives soon. In director Joko Anwar's tribute to film noir, a cop named Eros is investigating a case of five men who are burnt to death in public after somebody screams “thief” at them. A journalist named Janus is also covering the story. The two find themselves drawn into a maze of mysteries and murders. The only evidence that they discover is a tape recording with the words “It's at Bendonowongso Hill, before the seven-step temple,” whispered in a woman's voice. They figure out that these words are harkening the angel of death to those who hear them. Eros and Janus soon find themselves on a journey to Bendonowongso Hill trying not to utter the cursed words or to let anyone find out their destination, less those unfortunate souls meet their death. (In Indonesian with English subtitles) – W.F.G.