Perempuan Tanah Jahanam (Impetigore) — Film Review
Director: Joko Anwar | Year: 2019 | Genre: Horror / Mystery
Joko Anwar has long been Indonesia's most ambitious genre filmmaker, and Perempuan Tanah Jahanam — released internationally as Impetigore — is arguably his finest work. Selected as Indonesia's entry for the Academy Awards and a hit at the Sundance Film Festival, the film weaves Javanese folklore, generational trauma, and skin-crawling atmosphere into one of Southeast Asia's most compelling horror experiences.
The Story
Maya (Tara Basro) and her best friend Dini (Marissa Anita) travel to a remote village in rural Java after Maya discovers she may have inherited a house there. What begins as a practical journey quickly unravels into something sinister. The villagers know Maya — or rather, they know her family — and they are not pleased to see her return. As dark secrets about her bloodline surface, the film builds to a genuinely devastating and visceral climax.
What Makes It Exceptional
- Atmosphere: Anwar and cinematographer Ical Tanjung craft a village that feels oppressively real. Mist-covered forests, decaying wooden homes, and flickering lanterns create dread without relying on cheap jump scares.
- Performances: Tara Basro is magnetic as Maya — vulnerable yet resourceful. Christine Hakim as the village elder Nyi Misni is terrifyingly composed.
- Folklore Integration: The film draws on Javanese shadow puppetry (wayang) traditions in ways that feel culturally authentic rather than exploitative.
- Pacing: The slow-burn first two acts reward patient viewers with a third act that unleashes genuine horror.
Minor Criticisms
Some viewers may find the middle section slightly drawn out before the revelations kick in. A few plot conveniences strain credibility, and certain backstory elements are delivered through exposition-heavy dialogue. These are minor complaints against an otherwise exceptional film.
Why You Should Watch It
If you've grown tired of horror films that rely purely on loud noises and digital demons, Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is a powerful reminder of what the genre can achieve when rooted in real cultural mythology and character-driven storytelling. It is the kind of horror film that stays with you long after the credits roll — not because of a single scare, but because of the weight of its tragedy.
Verdict
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Direction | ★★★★★ |
| Performances | ★★★★★ |
| Atmosphere & Cinematography | ★★★★★ |
| Story & Script | ★★★★☆ |
| Overall | ★★★★★ |
Perempuan Tanah Jahanam is essential viewing — not just for fans of Indonesian cinema, but for anyone who loves the horror genre at its most artistically purposeful.