What Is Pengabdi Setan?
Pengabdi Setan (Satan's Slaves), directed by Joko Anwar, is one of the most celebrated Indonesian horror films of the modern era. Released in 2017 as a reimagining of a 1980 cult classic, the film became a massive box office hit and helped trigger a renaissance in Indonesian genre cinema.
A sequel, Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion, followed in 2022 and broke records as Indonesia's highest-grossing film at the time of its release.
The Story
Set in the 1980s, the original film follows the Suwono family — a father and his four children — who are struggling to cope after the prolonged illness and eventual death of their mother, a once-famous singer. Soon after her death, strange supernatural occurrences begin. The youngest child claims to see their mother's ghost, and dark secrets about the family's past start to surface.
The sequel expands the story, relocating the surviving family to a towering apartment complex during a flood — a claustrophobic, brilliant setting that raises the horror stakes considerably.
Why It Works So Well
- Atmosphere over jump scares: Joko Anwar builds dread slowly and methodically. The horror creeps in through shadow, sound design, and suggestion rather than cheap shocks.
- Strong family dynamics: The film grounds its supernatural horror in genuine emotional stakes. You care about these characters before things go wrong.
- Cultural depth: The story draws on Indonesian folklore, Islamic beliefs about the afterlife, and local superstitions — making it feel authentically rooted in its culture.
- Technical craft: Both films feature exceptional cinematography, production design, and period-accurate details.
Joko Anwar: Indonesia's Horror Maestro
Director Joko Anwar has become the defining voice of contemporary Indonesian horror. His films consistently balance mainstream accessibility with genuine artistic vision. Pengabdi Setan showcases his ability to craft horror that works on multiple levels — as pure entertainment, as social commentary, and as mythological storytelling.
How It Compares to Regional Horror
| Film | Country | Style | Recommended If You Like |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pengabdi Setan | Indonesia | Slow-burn supernatural | The Conjuring, A24 horror |
| Ringu | Japan | Psychological dread | Mystery-driven horror |
| The Wailing | South Korea | Folk horror thriller | Complex, ambiguous horror |
Where to Start
If you're new to Indonesian cinema, Pengabdi Setan is an ideal starting point. It's accessible, genuinely scary, and crafted to international standards. Watch the original first, then proceed to Communion — the sequel rewards viewers who know the first film's lore.
Verdict: Essential viewing for horror fans and anyone curious about the depth and quality of Indonesian filmmaking.