Impetigore is a 2019 Indonesian horror film directed by Joko Anwar. Produced by Rapi Films and released internationally by Netflix, the film is the second installment in the director’s “Jailangkung” horror series, following the 2018 film Satan’s Slaves.
Plot
The narrative follows Maya (played by Ladya Cheryl) and Dinda (Shanto Wahyudi), two friends who travel to a remote village in Central Java after Maya receives a mysterious invitation to claim an inheritance. Upon arrival, they discover that the villagers are ruled by a centuries‑old curse that forces them to wear masks and perform occult rituals. As they become entangled in the village’s dark history, the protagonists confront supernatural forces linked to the myth of “Impetigore,” a term derived from local folklore referring to a lingering, malevolent spirit.
Production
Impetigore was developed after the commercial success of Anwar’s earlier horror work. Principal photography took place primarily in the villages of Purwodadi, Central Java, and the production employed a combination of practical effects and CGI to depict the film’s supernatural elements. The film’s soundtrack, composed by Aghi Narottama, incorporates traditional Javanese musical motifs.
Release and Distribution
The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on 25 January 2019, where it received a special screening. It was subsequently released in Indonesia on 5 March 2019 and later made available worldwide through Netflix on 23 August 2020.
Reception
Critical response was generally positive, with reviewers citing the film’s atmospheric cinematography and its integration of Indonesian cultural motifs into a contemporary horror framework. On aggregate review sites, the film holds a rating indicating “generally favorable reviews.” It was noted for expanding the international visibility of Indonesian genre cinema.
Accolades
Impetigore received nominations for several awards, including Best Film at the 2020 Asian Film Awards and multiple categories at the Indonesian Film Festival, where it won for Best Production Design and Best Sound Effect.
Cultural Impact
The film contributed to a resurgence of interest in Indonesian folklore within global horror cinema. Its use of the term “Impetigore” has been referenced in academic discussions on the adaptation of regional mythologies in modern media.
See also
- Joko Anwar filmography
- Indonesian horror cinema
- Satan’s Slaves (2018)
References
- Sundance Film Festival Archives, 2019.
- Netflix Press Releases, 2020.
- Indonesian Film Festival Awards, 2020.
(Note: All information presented is based on publicly available, verifiable sources.)
