HORROR(S) .RANT

HORROR(S) .RANT .2

I believe, the state of Cinema in Indonesia currently resembles a certain decade. A decade that was defined by a genre, dominated even. Im of course, talking about the 80's and how Horror helps to shape it. And just like how Horror films was just about everywhere back in the 80's, Indonesia is currently facing the same situation, and perhaps its been that way ever since the 2010s.

This post will be dedicated to celebrate the so called Horror Fest that surrounds your local cinema, while also criticize it for its lack of innovation and exploitation of cultures. So let's talk about it.

Now, you might wonder, why am I celebrating the abundance of Horror Films, that essentially follows the same narrative. Well I could just answer that Horror is my favorite genre, but let's elaborate and actually make good arguments regarding the topic. The reason behind my celebration, is the fact that Horror itself is an important genre. Not just for me, but the whole nation themselves. Throughout Indonesia history, the cultures that are within the nation have always been associated or involved with supernatural elements.

Whether it's superstition, folklore, ghostly creatures, and so many more. This originate from many beliefs, mostly influenced by Hinduism-Buddhism, Animism, Islam, and so much more. Those influence would later gave birth to a lot of traditional beliefs that people still do to this day. One of my favorite being Sesajen. 

What is a Sesajen / Sajen? 

Well according to my good friend Wikipedia and a couple other sources, it's a sacred food that acts as an offering. Usually it was served on a traditional or religious ceremony, and has the symbolic purpose of communicating with supernatural being / supernatural forces. It essentially is a form of gratitude. What offered on the plate really depends on the culture, but usually from what ive known, the menu would consist of vegetables, fruits, and flowers.

Sajen is the many thing in Indonesia culture, that are associated with mystical values. Indonesian loves to associate something with mystical practice, supernatural elements, and such. Take the term Kliwon for example, which is a day of the week, more spesifically the fifth day of the week according to Javanese culture. Kliwon, or Jumat Kliwon (translate to Friday-Kliwon) has been hugely associated with having a mystical energy. It is a sacred date in the Javanese culture. 

Now Sajen and Kliwon are both proof that Supernatural elements has always been here, on this nation. While its existence is controversial and there's a lot of malpractice to it, I want to focus on how we should approach this culture richness that Indonesia have. Because while we should celebrate it by perhaps persevering it, unfortunately it's been exploited into terrible end products (in terms of cinema ofc). 

There's no denying that Horror currently dominates the cinema, you won't be too far from a horror film. According to box office list on Wikipedia, 11 out of the top 25 is a horror film, with KKN : Di Desa Penari sitting comfortably on the third spot after losing to both Jumbo and Agak Laen back in 2025. So you can say that we aren't lacking Horror Films. But what we do lack is an innovation within the genre.

Because from my own observation, most of the films revolved around the mystical and supernatural elements from certain cultures, with Javanese Culture being the most likely to be incorporated. And there's nothing wrong with that, if anything, I might encourage it because like ive said before, we are rich in terms of culture. But what I dont encourage, is cash grab films. Because Horror sells. We've got to a point where even comedy films need to have somewhat Horror elements in them. 

These cash grab-love-to-exploit-cultures films relies on cheap jump scares and loud noises. Which to me IS a problem, because it kind of undermine the potential that lies behind the cultures and is somewhat undermine horror itself. But Horror itself is a massive genre, and people have different ideas of Horror. But the thing is, to scare someone using only cheap jump scares, flashing scenes, and loud noises, isn't a good way to deliver Horror to me. And it doesnt help for the fact that the majority of the industry currently using the same boring path.

But I do get the point, these film meant to entertain general audiences that doesnt watch film or go to the cinema often. So maybe, my idea of horror is different from theirs. And that's totally fine.

From my own observation though, people are actually getting bored, because essentially they watched the same film just in different fonts. The abundance of these slops, would eventually lead to people finding the Horror genre ridiculous. And it also doesnt encouraged people to use their comprehension skills. Which might explained why audiences in Indonesia found the film Backrooms as boring and confusing.

These would then also lead people to wanting the genre gone entirely. I dont know if it's a massive thing, but I certainly feel like people had enough with it. And as much as they wanted it gone, it won't. And it probably would stay for much much longer, even becoming one with the culture. 

Now, here's my opinion and a piece of advice, on where to next for the Horror industry in Indonesia. First, DONT delete the genre. Instead, elevate it. Experiment with it, go bold. Because sometimes it pays off, especially in situations like these, when people need something fresh. One of the better horror films from Indonesia that ive watched, is Monster Pabrik Rambut, directed by the great Edwin himself. 

Its weird. That's the review. And I enjoyed it. Secondly, give the younger directors their chance to make one. Stop the nonsense with Anggy Umbara. We have seen the success from younger directors in this year with Kane Parsons and Curry Baker. Production Houses needs to trust someone with the right script, mainly focusing on the fact that it's different. There is a future within this industry, and we can only achieved it, if we are brave enough to innovate.

That's it for my rant today! What do you guys think of the situation? Let me know and have a good day wherever you are!