In modern-day Indonesia, a British documentarian gains access to several high-ranking members of the death squads that purged their nation of communism during the late 1960s. Over a million accused lost their lives in this genocide, many sent to a speedy demise on the back of fabricated evidence, and fifty years later, the executioners show little remorse. More the opposite: in recalling their hands-on role in the murders, the old gangsters beam with pride, freely share the secrets of their methods (a garrote, for example, means less cleanup) and boast of their quadruple-digit kill counts. Filmmakers loosened these lips by promising artistic freedom in a cinematic retelling of their old handiwork, but it doesn’t seem like the killers needed much convincing. They’re thrilled by the opportunity to shout their guilt to the world and can’t (or won’t) accept the possibility that they’ll be seen as anything less than the honorable, patriotic heroes they are in their own minds.

It’s a surreal experience, watching these men speak so openly about such loathsome acts while toying with their grandchildren and flaunting their collections of tacky crystal tchotchkes. Their audacity is baffling, but also hypnotizing. Doubly so when the conversation spans months and we begin to spot blemishes in that front of self-assuredness. As production of their own fantastical, self-directed short film concludes, we see the flicker of guilt blossom into a full-blown crisis of conscience for at least one participant. This doesn’t keep him from gleefully cheering the absurd, colorful, playful song and dance number he’s helped create as commemoration of his life’s work. The same short meta-film climaxes with an executed man expressing gratitude for his own murder.

_The Act of Killing_ is a genuinely shocking film; a rarity in the modern climate. Its bare depictions of self-deception are haunting, especially when contrasted with the fleeting occasions its subjects are finally, truly honest with themselves. I didn’t enjoy this and I don’t even know if I’m glad I watched it. An important document, but not a pleasant watch, it’s one you’ll absorb in stunned silence and soon try to forget. While it falls short on technical and cinematic levels, its sources are incredible and its message cuts deep. Just don’t be misled by the cover art. This is some dark, dark shit.