Kuyang (2024) Director: Yongki Ongestu
Genre: Horror, Supernatural, Thriller
Kuyang is an Indonesian horror film steeped in chilling folklore, set in the haunting and remote landscapes of Borneo. The film follows Bimo (Dimas Aditya), a civil servant candidate, who relocates to a secluded village with his pregnant wife, Sriatun (Alyssa Abidin), in hopes of starting a new chapter in their lives. However, their arrival coincides with a series of strange and unsettling occurrences, as the couple quickly realizes that the village harbors dark secrets.
As Bimo and Sriatun try to settle in, they begin to encounter eerie signs and terrifying supernatural phenomena. The couple learns of the Kuyang—a terrifying, headless woman who is believed to haunt the village, preying on unborn children and causing death and despair. As the Kuyang’s presence grows stronger, Bimo and Sriatun must confront the reality of the curse that threatens their unborn child and their very lives.
The film takes audiences on a suspenseful and terrifying journey as Bimo becomes determined to uncover the truth about the Kuyang legend and protect his family. The tension builds as the couple is drawn deeper into the supernatural mysteries of the village, where every shadow and sound could be a sign of the malevolent spirit’s approach. The terrifying nature of the Kuyang, her origins, and the deadly rituals that sustain her, are central to the film’s gripping narrative.
Kuyang not only delivers traditional horror elements like haunting visuals and suspenseful pacing but also incorporates elements of Indonesian folklore, giving the film a unique cultural depth. Themes of fear, survival, and the supernatural clash with the real-world struggles of Bimo and Sriatun, who must navigate both the physical and spiritual dangers surrounding them.
With its unsettling atmosphere, spine-chilling jump scares, and psychological tension, Kuyang is a terrifying exploration of ancient legends and the fear they evoke in modern times. The film dives deep into the human experience of fear and protection, especially as Bimo’s love for his wife and unborn child is tested by the supernatural forces that threaten to tear them apart.
Available for streaming on Netflix, Kuyang is a must-watch for horror enthusiasts who appreciate folklore-driven narratives and intense supernatural thrillers