A new Indonesian horror film breathes life into familiar genre conventions by turning them on their head. “The Draft!” presents a clever, self-aware narrative that acknowledges horror movie clichés while delivering genuine entertainment.
Rather than the typical isolated cabin, the story unfolds in a jungle villa complete with all the expected elements: unreliable electricity, a nearby cemetery, mysterious visions, and the obligatory forbidden room. The characters themselves recognize the absurdity of their situation, immediately noting the horror movie parallels in their circumstances.
As the story progresses, it becomes clear that the accumulation of stereotypes serves a deeper purpose. The film gradually reveals itself as a sophisticated commentary on horror conventions, particularly those prevalent in Indonesian cinema. While some dialogue scenes feel somewhat forced in their attempts to explain the meta-narrative, the film excels when it focuses on playing with and subverting established tropes.
The production demonstrates clear inspiration from previous genre-deconstructing works, continuing a tradition of horror films that examine their own conventions. Yet “The Draft!” manages to feel fresh and inventive, suggesting that there remains ample room for innovation within the horror genre. The film builds momentum as it progresses, embracing increasingly wild and humorous scenarios while maintaining its clever commentary.
Available on digital platforms from October 27, this inventive horror comedy offers both laughs and genuine scares while providing thoughtful commentary on the genre it both celebrates and critiques.
