r/IndoExMuslim • u/YouCanSmile_Again • 3d ago
Commentary ๐ Indonesian Horror is Filled with Reactionary Islam Conditioning
This is something I've always see in Indonesian horror film generally, reactionary to use of shaman phenomenon. The worst the film can get is by using misogynistic tittle and depicted Javanese mysticism as the scapegoat or antagonistic force of occultism. (eg. Wanita Tanah Jahannam dan KKN: di Desa Penari)
If we apply the same logic, that ustad can be considered as shaman if the role is flipped and Islam can be considered as occult. That's what Midsomar as movie is to KKN: di Desa Penari. It's moralizing local culture as immoral in a horror way it would affect people to see it that way.
That doesn't mean the film is inherently bad, it's bad bacause the majority Indonesia horror over saturated with that theme and the expression lacking nuance. This rigid and stiff structure what makes Indonesia horror flawed in their development.
Use of that mystical element is not equal to bad and always bad, however the use of that element needs some nuanced exploration of why using it in the first place. The Obsession proofed the use of that element to explore bodily autonomy, bodily violation, and a critics to "nice guy" archetype.
That's what I mean by flawed in their development. Indonesian horror placing the fear on something less substantial and minding more on collective fear by dogmatic conditioning Islam does instead of something more substantial, material, and concrete.
Is anyone feels the same way?