THE Malays have an impressive collection of ghost stories, some of which have been featured in local films.
Filmmaker Faisal Ishak’s latest endeavour, Aliff Dalam 7 Dimensi, features not one or two but several ghosts. However, it isn’t one of those conventional local horror movies where someone is possessed and a shaman is called to exorcise the evil spirit. This one has much more action, the other-worldly, supernatural kind.
Reclusive college student Aliff (Izzue Islam) harbours a dark secret: He can see ghosts. He also has saka (a spirit inherited from one generation to another).
He distances himself from anyone who tries to befriend him. Even his roommate Naim (Alif Satar) isn’t spared.
Then one day in the classroom, his gift is accidentally revealed, and witnessed by his classmate Anna (Juliana Evans).
She and Naim then try to convince him to use it to help them search for paranormal entities. Anna needs to film the encounter, if possible, for her thesis. She is researching string theory, a framework in physics that relates to the presence of dimensions and gravity.
She gives Aliff (and clueless viewers like me) a rather elaborate explanation on how it somehow also relates to supernatural presence (watch the movie to find out how). Partly swayed by his romantic interest in her, Aliff relents. She really is very pretty.
The most exciting part of the film is when the trio go ghost-hunting. Ultimately, it’s a clash between horror and action.
Based on what Faisal has envisioned and interpreted in this film, it does look pretty impressive. A human physically fighting supernatural beings isn’t something you see often.
The fights are violent too... with kicks, punches and the whole enchilada. There are all sorts of ghosts, with different “powers”.
Thanks to his saka, Aliff equals his supernatural foes in abilities. To his horror though, the more he uses his saka, the stronger it gets and the weaker his control over it.
Here’s where the story turns dramatic. In the beginning, Faisal manages to keep the saka’s appearance mysterious. Besides, we don’t really know what a saka looks like.
When the saka finally shows itself, the atmosphere gets a little creepier because you can feel its ominous vibes.
Here, Izzue portrays Aliff so superbly that he deserves two thumbs up, especially in the scenes where the saka takes over Aliff’s body. There is a scene where he alternates between playing Aliff the man and Aliff the possessed. This is by far the best scene.
Izzue not only perfectly depicts Aliff’s panic and fear but also the saka’s nefarious self. When he portrays the possessed Aliff, he looks terrifying!
It shows how much effort he has put into playing this character; I’m sure it’s emotionally, mentally and physically challenging.
Izzue also nails the part as the anti-social Aliff. Even after he makes friends with Naim and Anna, there is still a wall between them, and Izzue doesn’t neglect that important element.
Anna has her own back story to why she’s intent on her research. Juliana portrays that determination well, and even makes Anna’s relationship with Aliff look sweet.
Juliana’s acting is commendable overall, and she executes the action well.
However, she is not natural when she speaks Malay as she has a “posh” accent.
Meanwhile, the character that will easily win viewers’ hearts is Naim, who provides the humour in the film.
Aliff Dalam 7 Dimensi isn’t only a blend of spooky horror and fast action, but it’s also a huge dollop of delightful comedy.
Half the time your heart will be racing, while in the other half, you’ll be laughing your socks off.
Naim’s jokes are effortless and he isn’t trying too hard to be funny, which Alif portrays with such natural ease.
Together, the three actors have great chemistry and seem genuinely comfortable with one another.
What’s not so impressive about this film is the CGI work. Thirty per cent of the film is made up of CGI of supernatural beings and the epic battles.
While the CGI is commendable, we have been exposed to foreign films which feature far more advanced cinematic animation works.
Naturally, we’d feel that the ones in Aliff Dalam 7 Dimensi are still lacking, but it must be stressed that based on local cinema standards, they are superior to what we have seen before.
Overall, Aliff Dalam 7 Dimensi is an amazing effort by a talented cast and crew. The story is fast-paced, and the creative blend of genres make it definitely worth a watch.
NOW SHOWING
ALIFF DALAM 7 DIMENSI
Directed by Faisal Ishak
Starring Izzue Islam, Alif Satar, Juliana Evans, Kaka Azraff, Man Kadir
Duration 100 minutes
Rating P13