Crocodile Tears (2024) TIFF Review- An eerie psychological suspense thriller with crocodile cameos

‘Crocodile tears’ is an old phrase, dating as far back as 1400. It simply means to pretend to be sad about something—insincere grief. However, Indonesian director Tumpal Tampubolon’s debut film is far from pretentious or lacking in sincerity.

In fact, in the context of this film, as Tampubolon implies in his director’s statement, ‘Crocodile Tears‘ relate to the delicate equilibrium that exists between a dominating mother crocodile’s protective grasp while carrying her baby crocodile, an activity that frequently produces tears. The metaphor directly portrays maternal love, which can be fiercely protective, nurturing and simultaneously suffocating. But in the long run, fate always has a different agenda—just as it did for Johan and his overbearing mother in this film.

Johan (Yusuf Mahardika) and Mama (Marissa Anita) own and operate a crocodile farm, isolating them from the world outside. Within the atmosphere of their solitary existence lies the crux of the story. Their daily routine includes violently slaughtering chicken and feeding the undoubtedly fresh chicken to the crocodiles. Sporadically, they conduct a crocodile entertainment display for tourists during the day. By night, they sleep together in the same bed, as if in a marital embrace. Occasionally, Mama snaps like a crocodile and behaves psycho.

Everything appears to be going smoothly until Johan encounters Arumi (Zulfa Maharani), a karaoke bar hostess. Paying no heed to the rumours in the neighbourhood about Mama killing her husband, that is, Johan’s father and feeding his remains to the crocodile, Arumi wastes no time in getting close to Johan. As their love story progresses, so does Mama’s jealousy at Johan’s proximity to Arumi, as she finds herself in a sudden predicament of loneliness.

To instigate trouble in the new-found relationship, Mama commences to highlight Arumi’s shortcomings, including the fact that it is unclear whether Arumi sleeps with her clients as part of her dubious employment. Johan firmly chooses to disregard her negativity towards his love interest, steadfastly determined to continue his romance with Arumi.

To instigate trouble in the new-found relationship, Mama commences to highlight Arumi’s shortcomings, including the fact that it is unclear whether Arumi sleeps with her clients as part of her dubious employment. Johan firmly chooses to disregard her negativity towards his love interest, steadfastly determined to continue his romance with Arumi.

There are also mystical occurrences which is especially evident in the intimate relationship between Mama and a white crocodile on the farm. She is exceptionally close to that crocodile as she believes it is her husband. There are scenes where they make decisions together regarding Johan. Creepy, isn’t it?

This movie is unexpected in the best possible way. It’s not exactly scary; there aren’t any jump scares. But it definitely has an eerie, dark, psychological effect in a slow-burn thriller kind of way. The kind you will keep watching, even if it’s a bit too creepy, simply because it makes for a riveting story.

If you don’t fear crocodiles, occasional psychopathic tendencies and slow-burn suspense horror elements, you can confidently watch this movie with a guaranteed assurance that you will love it! Trust me, it’s creepy in the best way!