Talbis Iblis, or The Devil’s Deception (2022), is a new film by one of the respected filmmakers in Malaysia, Kabir Bhatia.
Produced by Infinitus Gold, Astro Shaw, Jazzy Pictures (M), A Next Start Production and MM2 Entertainment, the movie begins airing on 20 October 2022.
Interestingly, the star-studded line-up includes Malaysia’s beautiful actress, Nasha Aziz, the multitalented Azira Syafinaz, Malaysia’s favourite hero, Zul Ariffin, and the hidden gem, Amir Nafis.
Kabir Bhatia’s newest movie is worth the praise
Regarding horror films in Malaysia, everyone is more accustomed to names like the brother duo, Syamsul and Syafiq Yusof, as they have produced many blockbuster movies of this genre like Khurafat (2011), Munafik 1 & 2 (2016/2018), Penunggang Agama 1 & 2 (2021) and Misteri Dilaila (2019). However, Kabir Bhatia comes with a different take on his choice of the genre this time. His previous works were mainly romance, a slice of life, drama-documentary and others.
I had the chance to watch this film four days after it aired at GSC Midvalley, and I could say it is one of the most mentally challenging stories I’ve ever come across this year.
What makes it so intriguing is the nuances of irony, symbolism and parallelism that Kabir Bhatia and the writers— Ajami Hashim and Ashraf Modee Zain— incorporated into the story. From the beginning to the end, you’ll be glued to your seat to know what’s next.
What is Talbis Iblis all about?
Hajar (Azira Syafinaz) runs away from home with her lover, Arshad (Amir Nafis), to get rid of their illegitimate child. She meets Junaidah or Mak Ju (Nasha Aziz), a beautiful midwife and her lover/protector, Nasir (Zul Ariffin).
Unbeknownst to Hajar, Mak Ju has plans to take Hajar’s baby to be hers, as she promised the devil. However, the devil is a cunning and deceptive creature. None of them can escape a demon’s deception.
The irony
Talbis Iblis (2022) plays with ironic sentiments by depicting colours differently from their stated meanings.
Red, white and black is the main colour scheme of this movie. I believe the cinematographer, Nurhanisham Muhammad, had fun playing with the colours. Also, with Bhatia’s directing skills, the movie’s cinematography stands out the most in other films I’ve watched thus far.
The colours are vivid in some parts and subdued in others. For example, when depicting the scenes between Mak Ju and Hajar, the white and red are vibrant. I believe this is to show the contrast between these two characters. However, when the scenes are in darker shades, it is to build tension, mystery and fear in the audience.
Red and black are often associated with evil and darkness. This movie also adopted something similar but with a delicious twist. White is a colour that symbolises innocence and purity. It’s interesting to see Bhatia (as well as the colourist) plays with these colours. They give it a different meaning and are very significant to the storyline.
Colours are crucial to the plot, and Bhatia doesn’t disappoint with how he tackles them. It shows the differences and development of the characters. And these aspects lead to a smart visualisation of irony.
The symbolism
Bhatia doesn’t only play with colours, but he also uses a lot of symbols. It gives more substance to the story.
I think this movie has many psychological underlying. It’s challenging to dissect it in one watch. The movie is rich with meanings that present not only the nature of black magic in Malaysia but also the complexity of the human mind.
Mak Ju stands out to me the most as her actions are all from her desperation to reach her goals. Wicked desire drives her to do many forbidden things. It clarifies that humans are capable if they are desperate to make their urges happen.
Hajar symbolises change and growth. She’s the character everyone is rooting for, and it’s amazing to witness her vitality from beginning to end.
Nasir is an emblem of loyalty. Regardless, he’s always there to help Mak Ju. It is all out of love (and something more).
Arshad portrays the familiar patriarchal characteristics with an extra dash of selfishness. There are blueprints of his character in many movies around the world. But every time I see someone like him, the response is still the same: why?
The parallelism
Talbis Iblis (2022) feels like a neverending cycle.
Nothing can break the curse. As quoted from Sherie Merlis (the bomoh): semuanya sudah tertulis (everything was written by fate).
Furthermore, the movie captures the feeling of anxiety and confusion well with this parallelism. I was stunned when the film ended. I had to blink a few times to let everything sink.
The parallels between Hajar and Mak Ju’s fate are beautifully done. It is one of the strongest aspects of this movie. And for these reasons, it makes Talbis Iblis (2022) very praiseworthy.
Talbis Iblis is worth the watch
Bhatia’s new movie promises a different (yet exciting) adventure.
If you’re a fan of dissecting every detail and pondering it for a few days, Talbis Iblis (2022) might be one of the best choices you’ll make.
In addition, one of the absolute eye-candy of this movie is the cinematography. Everything appears so beautifully on the big screen, and it’s a feast for the eyes.
With story-driven characters and a fluid plot structure, Talbis Iblis (2022) should be on your to-watch list.
You can watch trailer 1 and trailer 2 on Astro Shaw’s Youtube channel.
Grab your tickets now and delve into the fun (and unexpected) endeavour this movie will take!
Source: Youtube Astro Shaw