CURSE OF THE TOTEM

Cinemavixion Review

Inspired by a genuine sacrificial ritual with roots tracing back to the 13th century, "Curse of the Totem" plunges viewers into a chilling expedition. The narrative follows Dr. Sani and his team as they venture into a dense forest in search of his wife, who vanished during a research trip focused on a mysterious Jerunei, or Totem Pole. As their search intensifies, the team becomes ensnared in a terrifying ordeal, plagued by disorienting hallucinations, agonizing physical symptoms, and the unnerving experience of waking up in unfamiliar surroundings. Director Jason Chong crafts a suspenseful atmosphere, drawing on the eerie lore of the Jerunei to explore themes of loss, obsession, and the psychological toll of the unknown. The performances, particularly from Bront Palarae as the driven Dr. Sani, anchor the film's descent into psychological horror. While the film delves into the supernatural, it is the unraveling of the human psyche under duress that forms the core of its unsettling power.