Satan's Slaves

Satan's Slaves is a 2017 Indonesian horror film that is written and directed by Joko Anwar. The star-studded cast represents the best of the fast-emerging Indonesian cinema and includes Tara Basro, Bront Palarae, and Dimas Aditya, among others. An intriguing remake of the 1982 film of the same name, the film catapults unsuspecting viewers into a haunting tale of family ties, fear, and faith. It tells a gripping story of supernatural horror that delves into the thematic depths of folklore and primitive fear, challenging the protagonists and viewers alike to question the boundaries between reality and the unseen world.

The plot is set in motion when the matriarch of a poor family dies after a long mystery illness, and now the family is trying to cope with their loss and the substantial debt left behind. Tara Basro forms the heart of the narrative as Rini, the eldest daughter of the family tasked with helping her single father, played by Bront Palarae, take care of their home and her younger brothers. Rini's father Mr. Habibie is under a lot of strain and is struggling to make ends meet due to the financial spoil the failing health of his wife incurred. This is where Dimas Aditya, a sympathetic local lad who keeps a warm place in his heart for Rini, shows up adding an emotional and romantic aspect to the tale. The family lives in an outwardly serene, yet psychologically ominous, old house somewhere in the vicinity of the countryside of Indonesia, leaving them isolated and vulnerable.

In the aftermath of the mother’s death, the family begins to experience spine-chilling, paranormal incidents. They start to be haunted by eerie figures that seem to have a terrifying, unspeakable connection with their deceased mother. These unsettling events open up a Pandora's box of dark secrets from the past, revealing that the pocket of tranquillity they call home might be anything but safe.

Joko Anwar uses the intricate narrative of Satan's Slaves to masterfully weave the horror and macabre with familial bonds and societal issues, resulting in a truly universal appeal. He cleverly intermingles supernatural horror elements with familiar societal issues such as poverty, death, and fear of the unknown. This blend of reality and eeriness makes the chills feel closer to home, amplifying the film’s horror quotient considerably. Anwar’s grip on the story, combined with the stunningly meticulous camerawork, makes an ordinary creaking door or dimly sunlit corridor seem deeply ominous.

Tara Basro does an excellent job as Rini, who is the fulcrum around which the narrative revolves. She manages to perfectly encapsulate the transition from a naive teenage girl to a determined woman who will do whatever it takes to keep her family safe. Bravo-worthy performances by Bront Palarae and Dimas Aditya further strengthen the movie’s credibility, making the story even more relatable and riveting. Their collective on-screen fear and bewilderment infect the audience, making our hearts pound in unison with theirs.

The production design vastly enhances the film’s atmosphere. Recycling the aesthetics of 1980’s horror cinema, the setting is deeply evocative and returns us to an era where practical effects create a realistic, much scarier universe for the phantasm to inhabit. A disturbingly quiet house in rural Indonesia serves as the film’s main setting, with every creaky door and unexplained shadow quietly ramping up the sense of dread.

Despite its spine-chilling components, Satan's Slaves also carries a beating heart that explores the strength of familial bonds. The film not only scares its viewers but also effectively conveys various touching moments that reflect the family's unconditional love for each other. This emotional layer adds depth to the characters, making audiences root for them throughout their chilling journey.

Sound design plays an integral role in accentuating the film’s haunting atmosphere. Even when the screen goes silent, you’re left anticipating the next moment of terror. The frightful crescendos of music and sudden bursts of noise, combined with the eerily silent moments, are strategically used to heighten the suspense and create moments of absolute terror.

Satan's Slaves is a remarkable entry to the horror genre that stays true to its Indonesian roots. Its local flavor adds a unique touch to the overall outlook of the narrative. Authentically Indonesian yet universally relatable, this sinister tale of fear and family makes a unique mark within the well-trodden horror landscape. It does not just aim for cheap scares; it is thoughtfully crafted and aspires to instill a profound sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.