Bayi Ajaib is a horror film directed by Rako Prijanto, written by Alim Sudio, produced by Falcon Black Pictures and stars Vino G. Bastian, Adipati Dolken, Desy Ratnasari, T. Rifnu Wikana, Rayhan Cornellis and others. The Movie has a runtime of 98 minutes. The movie is a remake of the 1982 movie of the same name.

– Bayi Ajaib Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –

Bayi Ajaib follows Kosim, who becomes rich all of a sudden after finding gold in their village. However, tragedy strikes when his son is possessed by the vengeful spirit of Albert Dominique, who is desperately trying to come back to life with the help of Dorman, a black magic practitioner. Kosim, who is also trying to become the village head, has to put his family first eventually in order to save his son’s life and soul.

Bayi Ajaib is one of those campy films that are just so ridiculous that you know that it can’t be anything but made for fun and a few cheap thrills. The movie, with a decent runtime of 98 minutes, just goes off the rails a few minutes into the runtime, and it just keeps on giving. Thus, you have to tune your expectations if you choose to get into the horror-filled world, which is surprisingly gorier than I would have imagined.

There are some violent scenes that feel a bit too much at times, and the film is packed with practical effects and CGI. Both are fine, although I must say, Albert Dominique’s old-man head on a newborn’s body is absolutely hilarious to watch. I doubt they wanted to give that perception, but, as I mentioned earlier, the campiness of the movie is set up early on. There is no escape.

There is also no tension in the atmosphere at any point, thanks to the oddity of the situations presented. The scene might garner some thrill that is immediately thrown out the window with a newborn with an old man’s head flying towards someone. Thus, you are either looking at the screen in disbelief or laughing. There is no in-between.

Everyone is also oddly extremely obsessed with circumcision, and apparently, it’s a spectator sport here. I mean, I am sure there are some cultural differences attached to my opinion, but a 7-year-old boy getting circumcised and it being watched by people old and young seems like an invasion of privacy at best and extremely predatory at worst.

Also Read: Race Episode 4 Recap and Review: Diversity Hire is Difficult to Sell

The storyline of Bayi Ajaib has promise, but the execution is really subpar, I feel. The fact that a baby in the womb can get possessed is quite interesting. Rayhan Cornellis, who plays Didi, also looks the part, and although his eye going into his head is all CGI (obviously), he has that menacing look to him that sells his character’s dire predicament. Unfortunately, he can’t sell a movie that falls flat when it comes to keeping you scared in your seat – there is no point where you wouldn’t know what is about to happen and when they do come out to haunt you, they are just so funny that it feels stupid.

Vino G. Bastian’s character Kosim is a brute who tries to do everything by force. Although he is 100% dedicated to his family, the way he treats people is quite horrible. Bastian plays his character quite well, and you really do feel like he’s a horrible and selfish person. On the other hand, Adipati Dolken’s Dorman has literally no character buildup or isn’t threatening at all. As a black magic practitioner and an antagonist in the film, you want him to do despicable things. But he’s just a lukewarm bad guy who chants a lot.

Anyway, if you have been wondering who Albert Dominique is, don’t worry; you will get the wildest story about the Portuguese guy with a fetish for committing horrible crimes. It’s actually the perfect villain story, complete with the monkey thing (no, I won’t mention it. It’s better to find that out yourself) that is just extraordinary, honestly.

Also Read: True to Love Episode 12 Recap and Review: Feelings Can Change or Maybe Not

If campy had a name, it would be this movie. As the movie goes towards its end-point, it just gets wilder, at which point you simply give up and enjoy the wild ride, taking some inspiration from The Exorcist and horror movies that you have come to love over the years. The smoke machine, it seems, also works on overdrive throughout the film. Considering everything, it oddly fits right in!

Bayi Ajaib Review: Final Thoughts

The Indonesian horror film is campy and absolutely insane. If you don’t take it very seriously, it’s actually very entertaining and would be a great watch with friends.

Bayi Ajaib is streaming on Netflix.

Also Read: The Good Bad Mother Episode 8 Recap and Review: A Happy Turn of Events, Finally