Movie Reviews: Janur Ireng & Lagenda Kelam Malin Kundang
- Faiz Faisal
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Directed by horror veteran Kimo Stamboel, Janur Ireng is the highly anticipated prequel to the 2023 hit Sewu Dino. Based on the viral universe created by SimpleMan, the story steps back in time to reveal the origins of the "Black Young Coconut Leaf" curse. It follows the struggle of Sabdo and Intan as they are pulled into the dark occult world of their uncle, Arjo Kuncoro. The film aims to flesh out the lore of the "Trahtujuh" (Seven Families) and the cyclical nature of the blood feuds that define this supernatural universe.
Having enjoyed Sewu Dino, I went into Janur Ireng with a mix of intrigue and uncertainty. My main expectation was for the film to match the visceral intensity of the first installment—and on that front, they certainly delivered. The gore is present and impactful, staying true to the franchise’s dark aesthetic.
However, beyond the shock value, the narrative felt a bit lost. I struggled to see what exactly they were trying to build here. The lore regarding the Seven Families feels like an endless game of cat and mouse; one family curses another, the victims seek revenge with a counter-curse, and the cycle repeats without much evolution. It’s a loop of vengeance that, while brutal, lacks a deeper hook to keep the audience invested.
The storytelling felt rushed and the script was somewhat weak, making it difficult to truly connect with the characters or care about their fates. If the studio plans on making a third film, I really hope they step away from the repetitive revenge plots and focus on the "why." I want to know who these seven families actually are and what makes them so powerful or influential in this world.
Without that world-building, Janur Ireng remains a stylish, bloody prequel that unfortunately prioritizes gore over a cohesive, well-paced story.
Rating: 5/10
Released in late 2025, Legenda Kelam Malin Kundang (also known as Smothered) is a psychological thriller and mystery drama. Directed by Rafki Hidayat and Kevin Rahardjo, the film is backed by prominent filmmaker Joko Anwar, who served as a producer, co-writer, and editor.
The story centers on Alif (played by Rio Dewanto), a successful micro-painting artist who loses part of his memory following a tragic accident. When an elderly woman (Vonny Anggraini) arrives claiming to be his long-lost mother, Alif—who has no recollection of her—begins to suspect her true identity and intentions. The film reinterprets the classic West Sumatran folktale of the "unfilial son" into a dark, modern-day mystery.
I’ve always loved it when classic folktales are reimagined as horror or dark thrillers—it worked so well for Western stories like Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. Naturally, when I heard that the iconic Indonesian legend of Malin Kundang was getting a horror-mystery makeover, I was immediately interested. Knowing that Joko Anwar was behind the project only heightened my expectations, as he is a master of the genre who rarely misses.
Unfortunately, after watching the movie, I walked away feeling quite disappointed. While the core idea was fantastic, the execution left much to be desired. The storyline followed a very predictable path, which eventually sucked the enjoyment out of the viewing experience. Instead of being kept on the edge of my seat, I felt like I was always two steps ahead of the plot.
To make matters worse, the ending felt incredibly sudden. It was so abrupt that it felt less like a planned cliffhanger and more like there was no ending at all. While I genuinely enjoyed the performances from the cast—they did their best with what they were given—it wasn’t enough to save the film. Ultimately, the movie lacked the genuine horror and suspense I was hoping for.
It’s a great premise on paper, but between the predictable narrative and the jarring conclusion, Legenda Kelam Malin Kundang just didn't hit the mark for me.
Rating: 4/10
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