Introduction
Over the last few years, Indonesian horror cinema has gained an international audience that appreciates the blending of local folklore, psychological undertones, and spiritual elements. One of the films that stand out in this regard is “Mantra Surugana,” a 2023 horror directed by Dyan Sunu Prastowo. This film, which is laden with Sundanese mysticism and cultural traditions, is more than just a series of cheap scares; it is a complex narrative of intergenerational trauma, supernatural vengeance, and the perilous consequences of revealing the concealed truths.
The film depicts campus horror combined with contemporary settings of ancient rituals and demonic possession, all within the context of how the past can deeply, and oftentimes disturbingly, intertwine with the present.
Plot Overview
The film focuses on a story of Tantri, newly played by Sitha Marino, a university student who relocates to a campus dormitory to commence her studies. Accompanied by high hopes of a warm welcome, Tantri’s life takes a bizarre direction as she experiences strange phenomena in her new home. Her dorm mates – Asta (Fergie Brittany), Fey (Luna Sabrina) and others – are both concerned and bewildered by the happenings.
Tantri discovers that her dorm room used to belong to a girl named Arum (Rania Putri Sari), who has vanished without a single clue as to where she might have gone. Learning about Arum’s past takes Tantri down a disturbing path: the existence of an ancient Sundanese curse that binds the powerful demon Surugana. If invoked through a forbidden ‘mantra,’ the demon unleashes chaos on everything related to the original summoner.
The haunting becomes too much for Tantri and her friends as they unravel a tale of twisted betrayal, revenge, and the misuse of sacred rituals. In her effort to solve Tantri’s confusion, she realizes the demon’s roots might shed light on the greater cultural and spiritual riddle of actually living through the experience of enduring such tormenting burdens.
Surugana is not your typical horror villain. She embodies rage, grief, and the very essence of corruption fueled by the sins of those who came before. Reality intertwining with the supernatural as Tantri witnesses the nightmare not only of the curse, but her vulnerabilities too.
Characterization and Acting
With her reliable and emotionally layered Tantri performance, Sitha Marino brings Tantri to life. Her transformation begins with disbelief and doubt, escalates into fear, and culminates into steely resolve. As a student caught in a nightmare that she does not understand, her arc serves as the emotional anchor in this film. She is fractured and whole at the same time—a victim and a seeker of truth. Her truth Tantri slowly uncovers adds to her quiet strength that fuels her character throughout the film.
Fergie Brittany as Asta and Luna Sabrina as Fey provide balancing dynamics to the storyline. Their portrayal captures the sheer fright and bewilderment of young students grappling with paranormal forces that are far beyond their comprehension, lightened with moments of laughter and authentic terror.
Rania Putri Sari as Arum does not have many moments on screen but her role is prettified through the flashbacks and metaphorical appearances which create a strong impact. The disappearance of her character is what triggers the events of the film. It represents the powerless victims of social injustices—both corporeal and ethereal.
Cindy Nirmala who plays Surugana in human guise as Dahlia depicts spine tingling duality. She is equally fabulous and pitiful, trapped in vengeance and sorrow. The narrative centralizes this character depicting the primary horror of the film; not mere ghosts and demons, but the uncontrolled suffering that is suffered in silence and handed down with time.
Cultural Context and Themes
One of the most notable aspects of “Mantra Surugana” is its close association with Sundanese folklore. The story does not merely place traditional practices on the backdrop; it weaves them into the very fabric of the plot. The mantra, incantation which calls forth the demon, is not a product of imagination, but is rooted in actual cultural practices where words uttered in ritualistic forms hold power.
The film depicts trauma spanning across generations while showcasing vengeance and ignoring one’s own culture simultaneously. The notion of evils persist when the truth is hidden is echoed in the characters’ experiences. Surugana is less a demon and more a spiritual reaction to untamed anguish, transforming victims into curses and wrongs into eternal enshrining.
The film portrays the contemporary skepticism towards ancient traditions as represented by the university students who constitute the younger generation that has chosen to break away from their roots. Their lack of understanding becomes perilous, suggesting that bearing no regard for history and traditions can lead to unfortunate outcomes.
Direction and Cinematic Style
Dyan Sunu Prastowo, the director, applies an understated yet impactful style to the film. “Mantra Surugana” unlike modern horror films does not focus on visual shock and quick pacing. Rather, it builds tension over time. The vivid psychological horror is accompanied by supernatural elements, long takes, eerie silence, and skillfully placed sound design that enhance suspense.
Atmospheric and expressive can describe the cinematography best. Scenes such as the dormitory corridors, flickering lights, woods paths, and flashbacks are shot in subdued hues that evoke seclusion, loneliness, and dread. Strong symbolic imagery is evident throughout the film, such as mirrors, sacred objects, and rotten and decaying architecture which represents the themes of reflection and revealing secrets.
A great example of this is the sound design and score. The whispers, traditional Sundanese instruments, and supernatural voices sharply cut in at critical points which creates a pessedive sense of unease.
Reception
On release, Mantra Surugana stated receiving mixed to positive reviews. Critics praised how culturally rich the film was, the different take on horror, and especially the strong performance from Sitha Marino. People highly praised the addition of Sundanese spiritual components for honoring the genre while bringing in new and meaningful insights.
Nonetheless, some criticisms noted the film had awkward pacing and lacked sophistication in its subplots. Despite the film’s first two acts capturing the audience’s attention, some spectators felt the final act did not have a strong enough payoff. Regardless, it was noted that the film was ambitious and emotionally charged, especially for fans of culturally rooted horror.
Conclusion
Both the premise and the title denote haunting narratives; Mantra Surugana is no exception. Mesmerizing and chilling in equal measures, the film brings to focus the trauma rooted in one’s identity, archaic beliefs, and the psychological toll of unresolved issues, blended in with a surrealistic horror framework. The film’s manananggal offers a brutally stark reminder of how the past does not merely vanish—it lingers and waits before returning in fury.
For audiences that gravitate towards deeply unnerving yet evocation-laden horror, Mantra Surugana is a remarkable addition to Southeast-Asian horror cinema. As the title suggests, the film serves as a reminder that the most haunting specters are often those that reveal uncomfortable truths from the past.
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