In this chilling and groundbreaking documentary, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various film genres. As they recreate their past atrocities, the line between reality and performance blurs, exposing the lingering impact of Indonesia's 1965-66 anti-communist purge and the unsettling psychology of its perpetrators.

Raw, terrifying, and painfully difficult to watch, The Act of Killing offers a haunting testament to the edifying, confrontational power of documentary cinema.

'The Act of Killing' is a profoundly disturbing and original documentary that subverts traditional conventions with its haunting examination of Indonesian death squads. They praise its powerful social commentary on largely ignored atrocities, dark tone, and thought-provoking insights into human nature and morality. However, opinions divide sharply on engagement level, with some finding it compelling while others struggled with boredom. Critics also note limited historical context and question the director's controversial approach of having perpetrators recreate their crimes.