The 3rd Eye [Mata Batin] (2/5)

The 3rd Eye (org. title Mata Batin) is a new Indonesian horror movie on Netflix. The haunting ghost story features elements from many iconic horror stories.

The 3rd Eye is one of the newest horror movies on Netflix. It’s from Indonesia and features many key visuals, you’ll probably recognize from other Asian horror movies. Most notably Ringu (The Ring) and Ju-On (The Grudge).

However, overall this isn’t what I would label a typical Asian horror movie. I was really hoping for something along the lines of the brilliant Satan’s Slaves. Unfortunately, The 3rd Eye is nowhere near that level of quality.

Further reading: Check out our review of Satan’s Slaves here >

The effects in The 3rd Eye

While the effects in The 3rd Eye (with the original title Mata Batin) are generally pretty good, there are exceptions. For one, I don’t really understand why some ghosts have eyes that seem to glow in the dark. Or rather, reflect light even when there is none.

It certainly didn’t seem scary to me. In fact, it had the exact opposite effect. Also, the movie uses CGI in ways that don’t exactly improve the overall experience.

While CGI allows you to create some supernatural elements, the real horror comes from the very practical effects. And also, the simple use of darkness and not knowing what goes bump in the night.

Every horror trope imaginable

While I thought The 3rd Eye was a pretty classic horror movie with elements of ghosts and haunting, it goes a lot further. Basically, we’re crossing over to something reminiscent of demonic possession.

At first, it seems like you’re watching a movie along the lines of Paranormal Activity or maybe even The Ring. Next, it looks more like scenes out of The Excorcist. Finally, there are moments that seem straight out of Evil Dead.

Oh yeah, there is quite a bit of blood and limbs flying all over the place. You will certainly be entertained.

The ending of The 3rd Eye

I think it’s safe to say the ending of The 3rd Eye will require some explaining for several viewers.

We’re not going to do an “ending explained” of The 3rd Eye (original title Mata Batin) here, but will say that it’s pretty open. We do sense a sequel, but who knows if this will happen? 

JUNE 2019 UPDATE: It did happen and you can read our review of The 3rd Eye 2 here >

If you tend to like horror movies from Asia such as the iconic Japanese movies, then you should check this one out. It’s a lot faster paced, but mostly because it touches on many different subgenres.

The 3rd Eye is out on Netflix in the US, Canada, and many other countries now!

Details

Director: Rocky Soraya
Cast: Denny Sumargo | Derry Drajat | Bianca Hello | Afdhal Yusman | Jessica Mila | Voke Victoria | Shofia Shireen | Epy Kusnandar | Citra Prima | Anita Hara

Plot

When her little sister claims she sees the dead, Alia consults a psychic, who opens her own eyes to the vengeful ghosts haunting their childhood home.