Dia Bukan Ibu Review: Why This Viral X Thread Adaptation is a Must-Watch Horror

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The Indonesian horror film industry has once again been rocked by an unusual work. "Dia Bukan Ibu" (2025) isn't just another horror film with cheap jump scares, but rather a psychological terror that targets the most sacred institution in our lives: the mother. Here's an in-depth review of the film, which has been called "the Indonesian version of Hereditary":

The story begins two years after a bitter divorce shattered the foundation of Yanti's (Artika Sari Devi) family. As a single mother, Yanti struggles to raise her two children, Vira (Aurora Ribero) and Dino (Ali Fikry). However, behind her diligent efforts to appear "normal," lies deep trauma and dark secrets that begin to creep out from the corners of their quiet new home.

Synopsis of the Film "Dia Bukan Ibu"

After moving into an old house surrounded by lush trees, Vira and Dino begin to notice drastic changes in their mother's behavior. The once gentle Yanti is now often seen pensive, laughing at inappropriate times, and even beginning to exhibit horrific violent tendencies, such as attacking customers in the store or self-harming.

The film's central mystery centers on one big question: Is the figure in the house really their mother? Dino, who loves observing through his camera, begins to capture things that cannot be explained logically, while Vira must fight to maintain her sanity as she watches her protector slowly transform into a bloodthirsty predator.

Dia Bukan Ibu Film Crew and Production House

This film was produced on a grand scale and with meticulous attention to visual aesthetics, proving that local horror has risen to the top.

• Director: Randolph Zaini, a visionary director who brings a fresh perspective to the narrative of a dysfunctional family.
• Producer: Raam Punjabi under the MVP Pictures banner.
• Inspiration: Adapted from a viral thread by JeroPoint, known for its gripping urban horror stories.

Cast and Characters of "Dia Bukan Ibu"

The film's main strength lies in its deeply emotional acting performances:

• Artika Sari Devi as Yanti: A striking performance by the actress, as she transforms from a fragile mother into a terrifying entity in a matter of seconds.
• Aurora Ribero as Vira: The eldest child who struggles to care for her younger sibling amidst her mother's identity crisis.
• Ali Fikry as Dino: The youngest child whose perspective (through the camera) provides the audience with a window into the hidden horror.
• Supporting Cast: Khiva Iskak, Sita Nursanti, Dian Sidik, and Husein Alatas.

"Dia Bukan Ibu" Release Date

• Film: Officially released in theaters throughout Indonesia on September 25, 2025.
• Streaming: Starting in early February 2026, the film will be available globally on Netflix.

Ratings and Reasons to Watch "Dia Bukan Ibu"

This film received rave reviews from both critics and general audiences:

• Rating: It received a very solid average score, with many reviewers giving it an 8.5/10 to 10/10, considering it the best local horror of the year.
• Visuals & Audio: The cinematography is highly artistic with strong use of symbolism (such as cats). The soundtrack is also considered very effective in building tension without always relying on loud noises.
• Exploring Motherhood: It's rare for an Indonesian horror film to dare to explore the dark side of a mother's role after experiencing betrayal and mental devastation.

Dia Bukan Ibu is a masterpiece of psychological horror that will keep you feeling uneasy even after the credits roll. It successfully proves that the greatest fears don't always come from ghosts with shattered faces, but from the people we trust most who suddenly feel strange.