The beginning of 2026 was an exciting time for Indonesian horror film fans. Several Indonesian filmmakers presented new works that didn't rely solely on jump scares but also adapted local stories with a fresh approach. One title that caught the attention was Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo, a horror film inspired by the Timun Mas folk legend, with a modern twist and a dark, oppressive atmosphere. Depicting the figure of Buto Ijo, a familiar figure from childhood fairy tales, this film seeks to break that classic image. Rather than simply being a monster from a bedtime story, Buto Ijo is presented as a more realistic, mysterious, and meaningful symbol of terror. It's no wonder that from the moment its first trailer was released, the film immediately piqued audiences' curiosity. Synopsis of Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo The story of Penunggu Rumah: Buto Ijo centers on a family living peacefully in an old ancestral home. Initially, their lives proceed normally without any significant irre...
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The film Gowok: Kamasutra Jawa is set in the 1990s and focuses on the story of a woman named Ratri. In Javanese culture, a gowok is a female shaman who is responsible for providing sexual education to unmarried young men. Ratri, as a student of the legendary gowok Nyai Santi, suddenly finds herself in a complicated love affair with a young man named Jaya.
Ratri and Jaya fall in love, and Jaya promises to marry Ratri. However, their relationship is disrupted when Nyai Santi finds out about their attachment. Nyai Santi believes that Jaya, as a child of nobility, will not be able to fulfill his promise to Ratri. Nyai Santi's decision to separate them is a step that destroys Ratri's dreams.
After time passes, Ratri grows up and takes over the position of gowok as Nyai Ratri. In her new role, she is tasked with teaching the philosophy of love and household relationships to Bagas, Jaya's son. However, this interaction that should be educational develops into something more complicated and has the potential to destroy her life.
Ratri's Journey and Past Revenge
After time passes, Ratri grows up and takes over the position of gowok as Nyai Ratri. In her new role, she is assigned to teach the philosophy of love and household relationships to Bagas, Jaya's son. However, this interaction that should be educational develops into something more complicated and has the potential to destroy her life.
Ratri's Journey and Past Revenge
Ratri's transformation into Nyai Ratri signifies the evolution of her career and presents a dark past. She feels trapped in the memories of her first love and desires revenge for the betrayal she experienced. When she meets Bagas, Jaya's son whom she once loved very much, all these feelings resurface.
Ratri faces a deep dilemma: will she repeat her past mistakes by getting trapped in the same love, or will she use this opportunity to take back control of her life? Her relationship with Bagas not only presents challenges from an emotional perspective but also from a moral perspective when she finds that this relationship can trigger family anger and bigger problems in the traditions that are upheld by society.
List of the main cast of Gowok
The film Gowok: Kamasutra Jawa features a line-up of famous Indonesian actors and actresses who are ready to enliven the story. Among them are Raihaanun who plays Nyai Ratri, and Lola Amaria who returns after a hiatus. Reza Rahardian also appears in this film as Denmas Kamanjaya, while Ali Fikry plays Bagas.
Each character in this film has an important role in the development of the story. The return of Lola Amaria is of particular interest because Indonesian film enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting her appearance on the big screen. With attractive cinematography and a storyline full of emotion, this film is expected to provide a profound experience to the audience.
The depiction of unique Javanese traditions and sharp emotional conflicts in the film Gowok: Kamasutra Jawa depicts not only Ratri's individual journey but also the collective journey of culture that integrates educational values and morality in modern society.
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