Susuk

Inside Susuk (2023): The Horror Flick That Divides Fans and Spotlights Indonesia’s Dark Folklore

Ginanti Rona’s Susuk (2023) arrived with a premise steeped in Southeast Asian mysticism, but its reception has been as divided as the curse at its core. The film follows Ayu, a woman desperate to save her sister Laras—trapped between life and death after a cursed amulet backfires—only to unleash supernatural chaos in their ancestral village. latestnetflix.com's take is that while the movie leans into the eerie allure of susuk (a real-life practice involving charm needles embedded in the body), its execution has left audiences debating whether it’s a fresh take on folk horror or a missed opportunity.

The Sisters at the Heart of the Chaos

At the center of Susuk are Hana Malasan and Ersya Aurelia, whose performances have been the film’s saving grace. Malasan, playing the doomed Laras, and Aurelia, as the determined Ayu, deliver "charming and expressive acting" that elevates the material, according to Letterboxd critics. Their chemistry anchors the story, which otherwise struggles with pacing and an ending some call "anticlimactic". The dynamic between the sisters—one a sex worker cursed by a mystical amulet, the other racing against time to reverse it—adds emotional weight to the supernatural mayhem.

But the film’s reliance on familial bonds isn’t enough to paper over its flaws. Reviewers note "several plot holes" and a narrative that occasionally feels like "a disaster-themed soap opera" rather than a cohesive horror film. The tension between character drama and supernatural scares doesn’t always land, leaving some viewers craving more depth in the lore or a sharper payoff.

Folklore Meets Modern Horror

Susuk taps into a centuries-old tradition: the practice of inserting gold, silver, or diamond needles (susuk) into the body to enhance beauty, luck, or protection. While the film’s version of the curse is fictionalized, the cultural roots are real, adding a layer of authenticity to the horror. The setting—a remote village steeped in ancestral terror—amplifies the dread, though the execution sometimes leans too heavily on jump scares over atmosphere.

The movie’s biggest gamble might be its tone. It oscillates between psychological horror and campy melodrama, a balancing act that doesn’t always work. Yet, for fans of Indonesian horror, Susuk offers a rare glimpse into local superstitions, even if the storytelling doesn’t fully capitalize on them.

Behind the Scenes: What We Know (and Don’t)

Details about the production are scarce, but the cast list confirms a mix of rising and established talent. Alongside Malasan and Aurelia, Jourdy Pranata, Kaan Lativan, and Whani Darmawan round out the ensemble. Rumors of on-set tensions or creative clashes haven’t surfaced in the available snippets, leaving the film’s behind-the-scenes story as mysterious as its plot.

What is clear is that Susuk (2023) isn’t connected to the 2008 Malaysian film of the same name, despite the shared title and theme. Director Ginanti Rona’s vision stands apart, though it’s unclear whether this was a deliberate homage or an unfortunate overlap.

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fascinating Experiment

Susuk (2023) won’t be remembered as a horror masterpiece, but it’s not without merit. Its exploration of susuk folklore and the standout performances from its leads give it a niche appeal. For those willing to overlook its narrative stumbles, the film offers a glimpse into Indonesia’s rich (and often terrifying) mystical traditions. For others, it’s a reminder that even the most promising premises can fall victim to uneven execution.

One thing’s certain: the debate over Susuk’s legacy is far from over.