The Queen of Black Magic (2021): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 39m (99 min)
- Director
- Kimo Stamboel
- Original language
-
Indonesian
- Studio
- Shudder Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
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.
- Director Kimo Stamboel
-
Ario Bayu as Hanif -
Hannah Al Rashid as Nadya -
Muzakki Ramdhan as Haqi - Adhisty Zara as Dina
Also Starring in The Queen of Black Magic
· 6 more- Ari Irham Sandi
- Tanta Ginting Anton
- Miller Khan Jefri
- Imelda Therinne Eva
- Ade Firman Hakim Maman
- Sheila Dara Aisha Siti
More from Kimo Stamboel
More films directed by Kimo Stamboel, best-rated first: Headshot, Killers, Dancing Village: The Curse Begins and The Elixir.
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).
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.
-
Rotten Tomatoes 91% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 73%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 54 Metascore
User score 4.3
See on Metacritic
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
The Queen of Black Magic Box Office
The Queen of Black Magic grossed $386,397 worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$386.4K
- International
- $386.4K
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What unsettling event does Rani experience during her stay?
Seen The Queen of Black Magic?
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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