The Return of the Matriarch: Ritualism and Familial Trauma in Joko Anwar’s Pengabdi Setan This paper examines the 2017 film Pengabdi Setan

The film's impact on the industry can be seen in the increased interest in Indonesian content, both locally and internationally. Streaming platforms, such as Netflix, have taken notice of the country's rich cinematic talent, commissioning original content and collaborating with Indonesian producers.

The film's use of local mythology and folklore added a unique flavor to the horror genre, making it stand out from more generic, international horror films. This emphasis on cultural specificity helped to create a sense of authenticity, resonating with Indonesian audiences and contributing to the film's massive success.

In 2017, director Joko Anwar reimagined the story for a modern audience. This version became a massive critical and commercial success, earning over 4.2 million viewers in Indonesia alone.

: Anwar introduced deeper occult elements—rituals involving bell chimes and ancient pacts—that were previously more common in Western horror but were localized through Indonesian cultural lenses. 2. Themes of Faith and the Supernatural

In Communion , the surviving family moves to a housing complex full of eccentric neighbors. However, a strange cult has awakened, and all the residents begin to act as "servants" to a new dark force.