Mantra Surugana is an Indonesian supernatural horror thriller released in 2023. It was directed by Dyan Sunu Prastowo and co-written with Budhita Arini, Ervina Isleyen, and Raditya Mangunsong. The movie is set on a university campus and integrates ancient rituals entwined with trauma and modern-day justice.
Plot Summary
The plot follows the life of Tantri, an inquisitive and intelligent freshman who transitioning into university life starts staying in a dormitory. During her first weeks, she meets two other students, Asta and Fey, with whom she strikes a friendship. While they focus on adjusting to university life and academics, a series of strange disappearances alongside supernatural occurrences disrupt the campus.
Tantri, during the course of the story, learns of a forbidden mantra which is able to summon a supernatural entity; one which used to protect the weak, is now tainted with malice. In her search, she meets Dahlia, a girl who appears possessed by the guardian spirit Surugana. Dahlia is a former victim of abuse and betrayal and now embodies the vengeance unleashed by the mantra due to her misuse.
The original intent of the mantra was to protect victims from harm, but it has recently been exploited by students pursuing self-interest. While uncovering the truth, Tantri learns that several male students—Reza, Luki, Mahesa, and others—were complicit in an act of sexual violence. These students begin to either vanish or suffer violent deaths at the hands of the Surugana’s fury.
The film culminates in an intense climax as Tantri confronts Dahlia and the spirit that inhabits her. It dawns on Tantri that only by assisting the spirit in letting go of hurtful pasts can peace be achieved, and thus the cycle of violence be broken. Through acts of courage and kindness, she performs a ritual that liberates Dahlia and ends the haunting—at least temporarily.
Characters & Performances
Sitha Marino as Tantri
Sitha Marino anchors the film with a performance that is down-to-earth. She portrays Tantri, who transforms from a gullible student into a resolute investigator, as a character carrying much of the emotional burden of the film. Her fear is real, but so is her determination, and that makes her a sympathetic and strong heroine.
Fergie Brittany as Asta
Asta is bold, fiery, and protective. Fergie Brittany’s spirited performance heightens the intensity of the emotional bond between the three, and thus the stakes.
Luna Shabrina as Fey
Fey is the rational and scientifically-trained member of the group. Her character balances logic while also providing a growing belief in the supernatural elements, which adds depth to her character arc.
Cindy Nirmala as Dahlia/Surugana
In the film’s most complex role, Cindy Nirmala transitions effortlessly from a fragile victim to a possessed, menacing persona. Her interpretation of Dahlia is both tragic and haunting, which serves to powerfully symbolize unresolved trauma.
Supporting characters including Mahesa, Reza, Luki, and Arum display varying degrees of complicity and fear, embodying different aspects of guilt and consequence.
Direction, Cinematography and Sound
Dyan Sunu Prastowo, the director, masterfully creates a palpable sense of dread using a mix of traditional Indonesian horror elements and contemporary visual storytelling techniques. The dormitory setting is filled with shadowy hallways, flickering lights, and isolated corners, creating a claustrophobic space that is deeply unsettling and frightening.
The film’s cinematography utilizes earthy and dark tones. Confinement is reinforced through tight camera angles and deliberate framing. Spiritual scenes are elevated through the use of practical effects, blood, and a gritty aesthetic that emphasizes horror rather than heavy reliance on CGI.
The importance of sound design in establishing the film’s tension cannot be understated. The film employs sudden silences, haunting chants, and whispers, which all serve to accentuate pivotal moments. The Surugana often manifests through sound, sharpening the sense of dread before it becomes visible.
Mantra Surugana goes beyond scares to explore deep themes:
Trauma and Justice
The mantra symbolizes the transformation of victims into avengers, showcasing the weaponization of suffering. This film is not merely about revenge; it poses the question of whether healing can occur after profound acts of injustice.
Abuse of Power
It critiques the exploitation of ancient traditions by those who sought to benefit from them without understanding the consequences of their actions. Male students are not only scorned for ridiculing deeply held rituals but also punished for morally bankrupt reasoning.
Female Empowerment
The women drive the narrative. While many men are depicted as either antagonists or doubters, women step in as protectors and truth-tellers. This duality serves as a focal point for criticism about institutional gender relations.
Modernity vs. Tradition
The students’ casual, modern attitudes starkly contrast with sacred spiritual practices. The story serves as a warning about eroding respect for one’s cultural heritage.
Reception
Mantra Surugana has received both positive and negative feedback. The atmosphere of the film, its artistic performances, and the cultural aspects that it represented drew praise. Additionally, the themes of sexual trauma and spiritual justice were appreciated, and genre fans commended the gore and horror effects.
Despite the acclaim, some critics have noted issues with editing and pacing. There are unresolved leaps between subplots, and some characters lack development. With a more coherent tone and tighter script, these issues could have been avoided.
Regardless, it was one of the horror films released that year, standing out because of its emotional depth and ambition in themes.
Conclusion
Mantra Surugana represents a daring addition to Indonesian horror cinema. From the perspective of supernatural horror, it addresses genuine societal problems such as sexual misconduct in academic institutions and the consequences of cultural amnesia. The film mostly employs intense visuals and vivid theme portrayal alongside compelling performances. While narrative flaws exist, the impact is undeniable.
It is a film that is, while not perfect, highly memorable. In Mantra Surugana, viewers searching for a blend of folklore, mystery—and most importantly, real relevance—will discover plenty to appreciate. At its most powerful, it transcends a mere ghost story to become a haunting cry for justice from beyond the grave.
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