The Legend of Malin Kundang is a well-known folktale from West Sumatra. This story tells of a son who betrays his biological mother. In the story, Malin Kundang achieves success in his travels, but he forgets his roots and neglects his mother, who raised him with great sacrifice. As a result of his actions, Malin Kundang is punished and cursed to turn into stone, illustrating the importance of respecting one's parents. So, what is the synopsis of the horror film The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang? Check out the review below: Synopsis of The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang Alif, played by Rio Dewanto, is a painter trying to recover from the trauma of an accident that nearly claimed his life. After recovering from the accident, the doctor warns him that his memory has not fully recovered. When he returns home, he is met by his wife, Nadine (Faradina Mufti), and son, Emir (Jordan Omar). Alif is informed that his mother will be visiting from the village for the first time. The problem is, ...
Synopsis of the Dark Legend of Malin Kundang: Joko Anwar and Rio Dewanto Turn a Legend into a Thriller
The Legend of Malin Kundang is a well-known folktale from West Sumatra. This story tells of a son who betrays his biological mother. In the story, Malin Kundang achieves success in his travels, but he forgets his roots and neglects his mother, who raised him with great sacrifice. As a result of his actions, Malin Kundang is punished and cursed to turn into stone, illustrating the importance of respecting one's parents.
So, what is the synopsis of the horror film The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang? Check out the review below:
Synopsis of The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang
Alif, played by Rio Dewanto, is a painter trying to recover from the trauma of an accident that nearly claimed his life. After recovering from the accident, the doctor warns him that his memory has not fully recovered.
When he returns home, he is met by his wife, Nadine (Faradina Mufti), and son, Emir (Jordan Omar). Alif is informed that his mother will be visiting from the village for the first time. The problem is, Alif doesn't remember his mother's face, nor does he remember anything about his past.
When the woman arrives, he suspects she isn't his mother. He begins to feel disturbed when he begins to be haunted by strange, inexplicable fragments of memory.
Everything changes when an old woman appears and claims to be his mother. From then on, Alif's life is slowly drawn into a whirlwind of mystery from his dark past. Behind every canvas he paints, there are traces of sin and a profound secret that lead him to a darker and more terrifying version of the legend of Malin Kundang.
Cast List of The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang
Joko Anwar reveals the lengthy casting process for the cast. Here's a list of the actors and actresses starring in The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang.
- Rio Dewanto as Alif
- Faradina Mufti as Nadin
- Jordan Omar as Emir
- Vonny Anggraini
- Nova Eliza
Joko Anwar's Latest Work
Joko Anwar's Role as Producer
Joko Anwar announced his latest work, The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang. As producer, Joko Anwar brings deep experience and insight, creating a film that not only retells the legend but also provides a new, more modern, and compelling perspective.
Narrative Approach Used
In this film, Joko Anwar uses a complex narrative approach. He explores the psychological and emotional aspects of each character, making the story more than just a moralizing narrative. By presenting The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang in a drama-mystery-thriller format, Joko Anwar adds depth to the story and engages the audience in the inner conflict experienced by the main character, Alif.
A Modern Reinterpretation of a Folktale
The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang presents a modern reinterpretation of this classic tale. Joko Anwar and his team add elements of drama and thriller that will keep viewers on their toes until the very end. By eliminating some traditional elements, they provide a fresh perspective relevant to the issues facing modern society.
Director and Creative Team
Young director duo Kevin Rahardjo and Rafki Hidayat were appointed to direct this ambitious project. Joko Anwar, although not directly directing, was involved in writing the script with Aline Djayasukmana and Rafki Hidayat, resulting in gripping cinematography with a narrative style that reinforces the film's moral message.
Production Process and Challenges
The production process of The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang faced various challenges, from building the sets to portraying deep emotions. The actors were required to immerse themselves in their characters and convey psychological conflict with subtle gestures and micro-expressions, making this process a challenging one. Thorough character development was key to delivering authentic and emotional performances, two key elements emphasized in this film.
The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang Release Date
So, when is the release date for the horror film ‘The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang’? The Dark Legend of Malin Kundang is scheduled to hit theaters on November 27, 2025.

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