SPOILER ALERT!— Imagine having a phone that doubles as a weapon against ghosts like the pocong and other supernatural entities. DreadOut (2019) brings that concept to life. Directed by Kimo Stamboel, this horror-thriller is the first Indonesian film adapted from a video game, following a group of high school students who accidentally open a portal to another world and must face the spirits that inhabit it. Using their phones as a survival tool, they try to escape the horrors of the otherworldly realm. The film received a 5.3/10 rating on IMDb from Indonesian audiences, who found it not scary enough and its plot somewhat repetitive. However, there are some interesting details you might have overlooked.
Seeking the Supernatural
The film begins with a group of teenagers planning a live-streamed ghost hunt in an abandoned building to boost their online popularity. However, the building’s security guard refuses to let them in. Not giving up, they convince Linda (Caitlin Halderman), an acquaintance of the guard, to help persuade him. Thanks to Linda, they gain access.
Inside, they enter a police-sealed room despite prior warnings. There, they discover an ancient parchment written in old Sundanese script, which only Linda can read. Unaware of the consequences, Linda reads it aloud. Instantly, the lights go out, swarms of insects crash into the windows, and a portal appears beneath them, pulling them into another realm.
This is where things escalate. Linda’s friends are held captive in a house by a vengeful spirit dressed in a red kebaya. The ghost harbors a deep grudge against Linda for killing her sister. Her fury intensifies when Beni (Irsyadillah) repeatedly attempts to steal her kris dagger. In a desperate fight to save her friends, Linda battles the ghost. As the dawn prayer (Subuh) echoes, the portal finally closes—but not without sacrifice. Beni is trapped in the otherworldly dimension forever.
Mysticism and Digital Terror
DreadOut is more than just a horror film relying on jump scares and supernatural thrills. It also weaves in social commentary about modern society. Erik (Jefri Nichol) and his circle reflect people’s obsession with online trends. To gain attention, they are willing to deceive their audience by staging fake ghost encounters—a critique of sensationalist content that thrives on social media gimmicks.
The film also highlights the growing disconnect between the younger generation and their cultural heritage. This is evident when only one out of the six students—Linda—can read the ancient Sundanese script. The director cleverly incorporates Sundanese culture into the ghostly realm, using traditional houses, clothing, and arts to strengthen the film’s aesthetics while adding a distinct local flavor rarely seen in Indonesian horror films.
By blending local mythology with modern elements, DreadOut feels more relevant to contemporary audiences. One of the most intriguing aspects is how technology becomes a weapon against spirits. Linda’s phone flash burns the ghosts, subtly suggesting that supernatural entities reject modern technology. They don’t just seem disturbed by the camera flash—they symbolize the clash between the mystical and the digital age, asserting that the spirit world still holds power despite technological advancements.
A Bold Step That Needs Refinement
Despite its strengths, DreadOut is not without flaws. For example, the character Alex (Cicio Manassero) feels underdeveloped compared to the rest of the cast, with weak interactions that lack chemistry. Some dialogues sound unnatural and forced, especially the overuse of the word “Anying”, which ends up feeling awkward and disrupts immersion in the story.
As the first Indonesian horror film adapted from a video game, DreadOut is a bold move in the local film industry. By combining folklore, social critique, and supernatural horror, it offers a unique viewing experience. While its dialogue and character depth could be improved, the film deserves recognition for expanding the horizons of Indonesian horror cinema.
So, what do you think? Is the idea of mixing supernatural horror with technology, like DreadOut, something that excites you? Drop your comment below!
