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Mystery thriller

The Queen of Black Magic (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

The Queen of Black Magic (2021) movie poster

The Queen of Black Magic is a 2021 mystery thriller directed by Kimo Stamboel, starring Ario Bayu as Hanif, Hannah Al Rashid and Muzakki Ramdhan. It runs 1 hour 39 minutes and earned $386,397 worldwide. Critics gave it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic.

Rotten Tomatoes
91%
worldwide gross
$386.4K
Echo Score
77
Metascore
54
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The Queen of Black Magic (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 39m (99 min)
Director
Kimo Stamboel
Genres
Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
Indonesian
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Queen of Black Magic About?

The premise of The Queen of Black Magic without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A family returns to their patriarch’s rural orphanage, a place steeped in his past, for a visit filled with memories. However, their nostalgic trip quickly turns terrifying as dark supernatural forces are unleashed, seeking retribution for past evils. The director's declining health and mysterious influence create an ominous atmosphere, threatening the family and those around them in a chilling supernatural confrontation.

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Cast & crew

The Queen of Black Magic Cast & Characters

Ario Bayu leads the cast as Hanif, with Hannah Al Rashid as Nadya and Muzakki Ramdhan as Haqi. Directed by Kimo Stamboel; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Queen of Black Magic

· 6 more
From the director

More from Kimo Stamboel

More films directed by Kimo Stamboel, best-rated first: Headshot, Killers, Dancing Village: The Curse Begins and The Elixir.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Queen of Black Magic Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Queen of Black Magic 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in sensory experience (92) and weakest in story & flow (58).

77 /100

The Queen of Black Magic Echo Score Breakdown

The film demonstrates a commanding visual style and effective craft, though its narrative depth remains uneven. Critics and viewers alike emphasize the unrelenting scares and well-executed direction, creating a consistently tense atmosphere. However, commentary on character development and plot coherence suggests some moments drag or lack narrative logic. Ultimately, the movie stands as a compelling sensory experience that balances intense horror elements with modest emotional and story engagement.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its precise direction and polished cinematography. Lighting and camera angles are consistently used to amplify dread, while production design effectively evokes the haunted orphanage setting. Though a few sequences stretch pacing, the editing reliably maintains tension through well-timed scares. Overall, the visual craftsmanship is a clear highlight.

  • Character & Emotion 68

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances offer moments of genuine tension, especially in the interactions among the former orphans. The cast conveys visceral fear through nuanced expressions, yet deeper motivations and interpersonal dynamics receive limited exploration. Some figures remain underdeveloped, which restricts emotional resonance. Overall, character depth is serviceable but could benefit from richer narrative context.

  • Story & Flow 58

    In terms of story and flow, the plot maintains forward momentum with a structured whodunnit framework and measured pacing. Early revelations and shifting suspicions sustain viewer interest, yet internal logic sometimes falters and original narrative beats are sparse. A handful of scenes feel dragged out, affecting overall engagement. Overall, the storyline delivers competent thrills despite occasional coherence issues.

  • Sensory Experience 92

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film delivers intense audio-visual impact through a forceful sound design and unsettling score. Gore sequences are meticulously rendered, while the color palette and visual style reinforce a continuous sense of dread. The combination of jump scares and atmospheric tension immerses the audience. Overall, sensory elements represent the film’s strongest asset.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    In terms of rewatch factor, the movie’s striking visuals and relentless scares provide enjoyment for horror enthusiasts on repeat viewings. However, the lean narrative depth and occasional pacing lulls may diminish lasting appeal for some audiences. Overall, replay value rests primarily on its visceral impact rather than narrative richness.

Plot

The Queen of Black Magic Plot Summary

What happens in The Queen of Black Magic from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As Hanif, Nadya, and their children Sandi, Dina, and Haqi arrive at the eerie remnants of Hanif’s childhood sanctuary, a heavy gloom looms over them. Unbeknownst to the family, their journey is on the verge of descending into darkness. As they gather with Pak Bandi’s caretakers, Anton and Jefri, along with their partners Eva and Lina, and fellow caregivers Maman and Siti, a chilling silence envelops the abandoned orphanage. The only children who linger in the shadows are older kids [Hasbi] and [Rani], who remain blissfully unaware of the ominous dread pervading the air.

Full summary

The whole story of The Queen of Black Magic, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

The Queen of Black Magic Box Office

The Queen of Black Magic grossed $386,397 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$386.4K

International
$386.4K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Queen of Black Magic?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
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  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
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  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What unsettling event does Rani experience during her stay?

Seen The Queen of Black Magic?

FAQ

The Queen of Black Magic FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Queen of Black Magic, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Queen of Black Magic?

The Queen of Black Magic runs 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes).

When was The Queen of Black Magic released?

The Queen of Black Magic was released on January 28, 2021.

Who directed The Queen of Black Magic?

The Queen of Black Magic was directed by Kimo Stamboel.

More films by Kimo Stamboel

Who is in the cast of The Queen of Black Magic?

The Queen of Black Magic stars Ario Bayu as Hanif, Hannah Al Rashid as Nadya and Muzakki Ramdhan as Haqi, among 10 credited actors.

How much did The Queen of Black Magic make at the box office?

The Queen of Black Magic grossed $386,397 worldwide.

How is The Queen of Black Magic rated?

The Queen of Black Magic has 91% on Rotten Tomatoes and 54 on Metacritic.

Does The Queen of Black Magic have a post-credit scene?

No. The Queen of Black Magic has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Queen of Black Magic in?

The original language of The Queen of Black Magic is Indonesian.

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