Movie Reviews Encore: Khadam & Ghost In The Cell
Khadam Review: The Beautifully Haunting Malaysian Horror You Shouldn't Miss
When I first saw the trailer for Khadam, I was genuinely excited. It looked stunning, and if you know me, you know I am a absolute sucker for beautiful cinematography.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to catch it during its theatrical run because I was completely broke at the time. So when it finally dropped on Netflix this week, I immediately cleared my schedule to watch it and I walked away with the single biggest regret of not experiencing this on the big screen!
Is this local horror title worth adding to your watchlist? Let's dive in.
Movie Overview (Without Spoilers)
Directed by Shamyl Othman, Khadam is a 2026 Malaysian supernatural horror film that dives deep into traditional local folklore surrounding familial curses and spirit servitude.
The story follows a young woman who, following a sudden family tragedy, finds herself unexpectedly inheriting a "khadam" a familiar or bound spirit passed down through generations to serve and protect the family bloodline. What starts as an unsettling inheritance quickly spirals into an inescapable nightmare as she comes to realize the horrific, agonizing cost required to keep the entity satisfied, forcing her to choose between her own morality and the survival of those she loves.
Simple Premise, Flawless Scares & Emotional Stakes
The premise of Khadam is relatively simple, but it is executed with absolute precision.
I loved how the film immediately hits you with genuine, atmospheric scares right out of the gate, just to firmly establish that this is a horror movie first and foremost. Then, once it has your full attention, the second act pivots to explore the central conflict: how the main character copes with being burdened by an entity she never asked for.
It establishes a crushing sense of helplessness. You realize early on that she truly has no choice in her predicament, making it impossible not to deeply sympathize with her journey. It seamlessly balances fear with genuine heart.
Outstanding Performances & Heart-Wrenching Ending
Aside from the breathtaking, top-tier cinematography, the cast is what elevates this movie into something truly special.
There is not a single bad performance in this entire film. From the lead actors to the supporting cast and even the child actors, everyone gives 100% to their roles. The raw, believable performances make every emotional beat land with full impact, building up to an ending that is as terrifying as it is completely heart-wrenching.
Is It Worth Watching?
Khadam is easily one of the most beautifully crafted Malaysian horror films to come out in recent memory. If you missed it in cinemas like I did, do not make the mistake of sleeping on it now that it's streaming on Netflix!
RATING: 9/10: A masterclass in local supernatural horror that combines gorgeous cinematography, phenomenal acting across the board, and a heart-wrenching story that lingers long after the credits roll.
Ghost In The Cell Review: Joko Anwar’s Uncensored, Max-Gore Prison Nightmare
When I first heard about Ghost In The Cell, I was immediately hooked for two big reasons: first, it’s written and directed by Joko Anwar (Satan's Slaves, Impetigore), and second, setting a horror film inside a prison feels like such a fresh, underutilized concept. We rarely get supernatural horror trapped within the walls of a correctional facility, so that was already an instant win in my book.
Similar to my experience with Khadam, I was completely broke during its original theatrical run, so I missed out on catching it in cinemas. When it finally hit streaming on Netflix, I made time for it right away and yet again, I was deeply bummed that I didn't get to experience this wild ride on a giant screen.
However, one massive perk of watching it on streaming is the zero-censorship cut: all the bare asses, raw madness, and unfiltered gore are on full display!
Movie Overview (Without Spoilers)
Directed by Indonesian horror master Joko Anwar, Ghost In The Cell takes a refreshing detour from typical haunted house tropes by trapping its supernatural chaos inside a high-security prison block.
The story kicks off when a young journalist named Dimas (Endy Arfian) is framed for murder and sent to prison, landing right in the middle of a hardened cell block ruled by eccentric inmates and corrupt guards. However, human tension takes a back seat when a vengeful, malevolent entity begins slaughtering people inside the locked facility, turning the bodies of its victims into grotesque, art-like installations. To survive the night, rival prison factions and guards are forced to form an unlikely, desperate alliance.
Artful Gore, Dark Comedy & "Grotesque" Vibes
Visually and narratively, this film is executed brilliantly. The art direction and crime scene setups heavily reminded me of television series like Grotesquerie and Human Specimens, where victims are transformed into grim, twisted art pieces.
Joko Anwar delivers a story that isn't afraid to inject well-placed slapstick and dark humor into the narrative, and the comedic beats actually land! Beyond the laughs, the goriness is turned up to absolute max. The practical body horror and splatter effects do not hold back, so if you have a weak stomach, consider this your official warning before pressing play!
Is It Worth Watching?
Ghost In The Cell is a wildly refreshing, boundary-pushing entry into Southeast Asian horror cinema. Joko Anwar proves once again why he's one of the best in the business, effortlessly blending dark comedy, prison drama, and stomach-churning horror into a pure popcorn watch.
RATING: 9/10: A wildly refreshing, max-gore horror comedy from Joko Anwar that masterfully blends grotesque practical effects, prison dynamics, and dark humor.
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