Bayi Ajaib – Netflix Review (2/5)

BAYI AJAIB on Netflix is a new horror movie from Indonesia. It has a certain style and vibe that people will either love or loathe. Sort of like an Indonesian take on Sam Raimi movies. However, it can also feel like a spoof. Read our full Bayi Ajaib movie review here!

BAYI AJAIB on Netflix is a new horror movie from Indonesia. It’s actually a remake of the 1982 movie of the same name. Translated, the title would be “Magical Baby” which makes perfect sense when it comes to the actual story.

Overall, this movie can feel very theatrical. Sort of like a horror adventure as the time period feels undefined and yet familiar. Also, there are touches of both religion and superstition, which is typical for folklore and fairytales. The runtime is just over an hour and a half, which works to its advantage.

Continue reading our Bayi Ajaib movie review below. Find it on Netflix from May 19, 2023.

An Indonesian Sam Raimi vibe

I couldn’t help but think of Evil Dead and other Sam Raimi stories as I watched Bayi Ajaib. Mostly due to the use of practical effects, demonic beings, and over-the-top characters. Both heroes and villains are skewed just a bit more toward good or evil.

Also, there is quite a lot of cackling. When someone evil laughs, it really could only be described as cackling.

I found myself both enjoying this and feeling that it was a bit too much. Maybe that’s why I’m left with the notion that people will probably enjoy this and take it all in, or they this will be lost on them.

Personally, I was a little bit of both. I loved the cackling villains and the “old baby” as this reminded me of the wacky Sam Raimi vibe that I love.

Also, it does take a swerve into The Exorcist lane, when religion is used to help the family battle a demon. Only, as this is in Indonesia, the Quaran is used rather than the Bible. That’s the only difference really.

Having recently watched The Pope’s Exorcist, this was particularly fresh in my mind.

Watch Bayi Ajaib on Netflix now!

The director of Bayi Ajaib is Rako Prijanto and the screenplay comes from writer Alim Sudio. I don’t believe I’m familiar with any of their previous projects, but the quality of this one is commendable. If you like the style, that is. Then again, isn’t that always the case?

WANT MORE INDONESIAN HORROR?

Do check out the Satan’s Slaves movies on Shudder >

Even though I feel quite confident that this Indonesian horror movie will be a hit or miss for most, the production quality is impressive and the style is well-defined. In other words, do check it out for yourself to discover if this is right up your horror alley. Or not.

Bayi Ajaib is on Netflix from May 19, 2023.

Details

Director: Rako Prijanto
Writer: Alim Sudio
Stars: Vino G. Bastian, Adipati Dolken, Sara Fajira, Desy Ratnasari, Teuku Rifnu Wikana, Rayhan Cornelis Vandennoort, Anantya Rezky Kirana, Willem Bevers