When Now You See Me dazzled audiences with its clever blend of illusion and heist, it set a high bar for films that dare to merge magic with crime. Magik Rompak, directed by Adrian Teh, steps into that same direction with a distinctly Malaysian twist.

While it doesn’t match the Hollywood polish of its predecessor, Magik Rompak carves out its own identity through grounded characters and a narrative that’s as much about redemption as it is about deception.

A magician in crisis

The story revolves around Hadi, a down-on-his-luck magician who performs under the name “The Great Hadini.” 

Facing mounting debts and dwindling audiences, Hadi ropes in a trio of professional thieves, Rafiq (Zul Ariffin), Wawa (Amelia Henderson), and Ujang (Nadhir Nasar) to pull off an heist where they steal the “Heart of Kesuma,” a priceless necklace owned by the corrupt tycoon Tan Sri Hamdan (Tay Ping Hui).

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

What sets Magik Rompak apart from typical heist films is its character-driven approach. The camaraderie within the crew, especially between Hadi and Rafiq, is well-developed, offering moments of genuine connection.

Wawa and Ujang, meanwhile, bring technical expertise and comic relief, respectively. Wawa’s hacking skills and Ujang’s street smarts balance the team’s dynamic, though their backstories are only lightly sketched. Tan Sri Hamdan, as the antagonist, is menacing but somewhat archetypal, a wealthy villain with a dark secret (organ trafficking).

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

Direction & style

Adrian Teh’s direction is ambitious, aiming to blend two distinct genres, illusion and crime, with a distinctly Malaysian flavour. The film’s pacing, however, felt slightly uneven. While the first act builds intrigue through character introductions and setup, the second act occasionally drags with extended chase scenes and heavy dialogue.

The final act, though visually impressive, leans heavily into action tropes, which slightly dilutes the intelligence of the heist.

Visually, Magik Rompak is polished. The cinematography captures the sleekness of urban Kuala Lumpur and the tension of confined spaces like vaults and backrooms. 

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

The lighting during magic performances is particularly effective, creating an atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Teh’s use of practical effects and sleight-of-hand tricks adds authenticity, avoiding over-reliance on CGI.

Stylistically, the film borrows from Hollywood heist aesthetics, think Ocean’s Eleven meets Now You See Me, but localises them through language, cultural references, and setting.

Themes beneath the surface

Beyond the surface-level thrills, Magik Rompak explores themes of redemption, loyalty, and illusion. Hadi’s journey is not just about pulling off a heist but reclaiming his dignity and purpose. 

Meanwhile, the film also subtly critiques wealth disparity and corruption, embodied by Tan Sri Hamdan’s dual identity as a respected businessman and criminal overlord.

Image Credit: Astro Shaw

The idea of illusion as a tool for justice is compelling. Hadi’s magic isn’t just entertainment, it becomes a weapon against systemic exploitation. This thematic layering behind the surface gives the film more depth than its genre might suggest.

Our verdict

Magik Rompak is a commendable attempt to localise the magic-heist genre, blending illusion with crime in a way that feels fresh within Malaysian cinema. While the film has moments of flair and thematic depth, it’s held back by uneven pacing, underdeveloped side characters, and a reliance on familiar tropes. 

Overall, Adrian Teh’s direction, paired with a charismatic cast and clever premise, delivers an entertaining ride that’s easy to enjoy.

Magik Rompak is out in cinemas nationwide. Watch the trailer below:

Featured Image Credit: Astro Shaw