Wrapped: Cleric Adam (Syamsul Yusof) returns in Munafik 2 to face his biggest enemy.

After achieving success in Indonesia with its first installment, the sequel of popular Malaysian religious horror film Munafik (Hypocrite) returns to bring the fear of God back into the hearts of devout Muslims.

What do people in this world fear the most? Sure, the typical, modern answers would usually be public humiliation, flying or death, especially when asking young people.

But the one answer that is often overlooked, yet so strong and consistently felt by many, is the wrath of God. This is the answer that can be found coming out of the mouths of people living in religious countries, where religion is an integral part of society, everyday life and sometimes the government.

The fear of God’s wrath sometimes can be used for good, sometimes bad. It depends on how one perceives and practices ones faith.

Munafik 2, which is directed by and starring Syamsul Yusof, is a no-holds barred horror film with a lot of Muslim undertones. The conflict in this film deals with how devout are people to their faith and the consequences of losing oneself to sin.

The film continues the story of superhero cleric Adam (Syamsul Yusof) as he faces probably his most powerful nemesis — a cult leader by the name of Abuja (Nasir Bilal Khan) — who has magical powers and claims to possess a wisdom that is far beyond the power of the Almighty.

Abuja is the classic cult heretic — dressed as if he comes straight out of an old medieval Arab tale (as well as his followers) — who wants to kill everyone in his village who does not reject mainstream Islam.

In the middle of all this is a devout Muslim woman named Sakinah (Maya Karin) who is caring for her ailing father and seeks Adam’s help after being mystically harassed by Abuja.

Munafik 2 depends heavily on jump scares that feature familiar figures from Indonesian and Malaysian folklore. For example, our favorite ghost, the Pocong, is used to dramatic effect in one scene.

But seen as a whole, Munafik 2 is a film that tries so much to imitate the inspirations the filmmakers got from watching films like The Conjuring or Insidious. It does not stand out on its own.

Heretic: Abuja (Nasir Bilal Khan), the main villain in Munafik 2, has magical powers and claims to possess a wisdom that is beyond that of God’s.

However, where this film wins is when the filmmakers address problems apparent in modern Muslim life; problems that are very familiar to the situation in Indonesia and Malaysia, where the most dominant religion is Islam.

Abuja’s over-the-top appearance and actions are so comically played it is as if the filmmakers are conveying the idea that someone like him does not exist. But unfortunately, Indonesia and Malaysia have seen their share of blowhards who preach hate in the name of their personal interpretation of Islam.

The protagonist cleric Adam is portrayed as a superhero-like figure. He is depicted as a handsome, sensible man and a Muslim who preaches virtue in the name of Allah.

In a way, he is the archetype of how a Muslim man is supposed to be, and that makes him the most likable character in the film. And I feel that this film is trying to say that. Be a good Muslim. Study the Quran. Surrender your faith in Allah, and only Allah, and realize there is no control over that.

The character of Sakinah is depicted as a sensible Muslim woman who has a mind of her own. For some Muslim men, women who are confident and independent are turn offs because they are unable to submit to male whims.

Muslims, who are not that well-versed in the Quran, will be able to find out what certain passages mean throughout this film and, in a way, how to use them in arguments, and the like. It is an educational horror film. How charming.

But these parallels are presented in a film that isn’t really that pleasant to look at. Its cinematography is way too overdone and transitions are not seamless enough to convince the audience that the scene has changed.

There is no subtlety. Every quiet moment will always be followed by a loud jump scare, thus robbing the audience of any breaks. The scares are cheap and loud, and rely mainly on creepy aspects only for the sake of being creepy, many of which are not related to the story.

It is exhausting to watch, but at least, like horror films should, it keeps people constantly on the edge of their seats.

Surprise: There are plenty of jump scares in Munafik 2.

— Photos courtesy of Skop Productions

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Munafik 2

(Skop Productions Sdn Bhd; 104 minutes)

Director: Syamsul Yusof
Cast: Syamsul Yusof, Maya Karin, Fizz Fairuz, Mawi, Fauzi Nawawi, Nasir Bilal Khan, Rahim Razali and Weni Panca