Ghost in the Cell, directed by Joko Anwar, is a unique blend of horror and social commentary. It tells the story of a journalist named Dimas who is investigating a large-scale illegal logging operation in Kalimantan. His investigation reveals a deep web of corruption involving high-ranking government officials. While he is in the forest, a ghost enters his body. The ghost is angry because people have destroyed the forest. It starts to kill anyone with a ‘bad aura’. It uses Dimas to find and punish those responsible for destroying the forest. Dimas was sent to jail after being accused of brutally murdering his boss.
A bigger conflict begins when the ghost attaches itself to a journalist, using him as a vessel to track down certain people. In a terrifying twist of justice, the spirit kills anyone with a ‘bad aura’. The tension builds as Dimas and his fellow prisoners try to discover why they are being hunted by the ghost.
In my opinion, this film is both brilliant and brave. It is not just a typical horror film intended to frighten the audience; it is also a sharp critique of environmental crimes in Indonesia. The decision to focus on Kalimantan makes the story feel highly relevant and urgent. The acting is exceptional, with the cast successfully delivering a mix of intense fear and dark humour. The cinematography perfectly captures the limited setting, making the audience feel as if they are in the jail.
The film’s main strength is its powerful social message. Rather than focusing solely on scares, it also dares to address environmental issues and government corruption. The lead actors give amazing performances. Furthermore, the balance between horror and comedy is well executed, providing much-needed relief from the tension. However, the pacing may feel slow initially as the story spends time establishing the background before the horror elements fully kick in.
*Ajeng Adea Anggraeni is a Computerized Accounting student at Politeknik LP3I Jakarta
