11 Best Indonesian Movies Featuring Psychopaths
Criminals come in many forms, including thieves, murderers, and rapists, but the most insidious among them are known as "psychopaths." A psychopath, in medical terms, is someone who displays abnormal and antisocial behavior due to a psychiatric disorder, making them challenging to interact with.
Identifying a psychopath can be extremely challenging. They can change their personalities rapidly, often appearing emotionless and fearless, taking pleasure in inflicting pain on others.
When stories of psychopaths are depicted on the big screen, audiences can experience the terror that their victims feel. Numerous films, including those made in Indonesia, have explored the theme of psychopathy, providing horrifying and thrilling viewing experiences.
Below, Showpoiler has listed some of the most riveting Indonesian psychopathic movies. Do you dare to watch them?
1. Macabre
Macabre is a lesser-known movie to the general public but has gained popularity among fans of Indonesian cinema. Directed by The Mo Brothers, this film, centered around a psychopath, has successfully captivated audiences worldwide.
The film made its debut at the 2019 Bucheon International Fantasy Film Festival, where it impressed both the jury and the audience. Shareefa Daanish, who played the main character, received the Best Actress award at the event.
Now, let's dive into the plot. The story centers around a group of individuals who make a stop at Mrs. Dara's (Shareefa Daanish) house. Among them are Adji (Ario Bayu) and his pregnant wife Astrid (Sigi Wimala), who is eight months along. Ladya (Julie Estelle), Adji's younger sister, and a few other friends, including Eko (Dendy Subangil), Alam (Mike Lucock), and Jimmy (Daniel Mananta), also join them.
That evening, Mrs. Dara and her youngest daughter Maya (Imelda Therinne) invite their guests for dinner and offer them a place to stay. During their stay, they meet Mrs. Dara's other children, including Adam (Arifin Putra), the polite second son, and the reserved eldest, Armand (Ruli Lubis).
Initially, the guests are treated hospitably and enjoy the delicious meals prepared by Mrs. Dara. However, as night falls, the warm atmosphere takes a chilling turn. One by one, the guests in Mrs. Dara's house find themselves facing life-threatening terror.
It is revealed that Mrs. Dara, along with Armand, Adam, and Maya, are a family of psychopaths who derive pleasure from tormenting and consuming the flesh of their victims. How can Adji, Astrid, Ladya, and their three friends escape the clutches of Mrs. Dara's deadly family?
2. Ritual
Joko Anwar is a renowned director of horror films in Indonesia, but Ritual deviates from his typical works featuring eerie demons. Instead, this movie focuses solely on a ruthless and cunning psychopath.
The story unfolds as John (Rio Dewanto) enjoys a family vacation with his wife (Hannah Al Rashid) and their two children. They rent a modest cabin nestled in the heart of a forest.
Initially, the family vacation is enjoyable, but it takes a dark turn when someone knocks on their cabin door, and John loses consciousness. When he awakens, he finds himself alone in a shallow grave. Desperate to locate his wife and children, John searches but cannot find them.
His aimless wandering leads him to a small cabin in the woods, where a television displays deeply unsettling footage of an unknown man cruelly ending the life of a pregnant woman. Shockingly, John discovers that the woman in the video is his own wife, and her lifeless body is in the same cabin.
As John investigates further, he stumbles upon a wallet in the forest, and a photo inside confirms the woman's identity. Now, John is determined to find his two missing children.
This is just a glimpse of the gripping storyline in one of the most chilling Indonesian movies centered around psychopathy. Be prepared for numerous plot twists that are guaranteed to leave you on edge and stirred.
3. Fiksi.
Alisha (Ladya Cheryl) is a young woman leading a solitary life within her father's opulent residence. Scarred by childhood trauma, Alisha is hesitant to venture outside and interact with others. To combat her loneliness, she turns to playing the cello, which she sees as her escape.
One fateful day, a maintenance worker named Bari (Donny Alamsyah) arrives at Alisha's home to clean the swimming pool. For reasons unknown, Alisha becomes fixated on Bari. In fact, she secretly takes up residence in the same apartment complex as Bari without informing her family.
Under the alias "Mia," Alisha observes Bari and his girlfriend, Renta (Kinaryosih), from the confines of her flat. Unable to come to terms with the fact that the man she desires is already in a relationship, Alisha becomes entangled in her own psychological game.
At first, Alisha attempts to rewrite the narrative of Bari and Renta's lives according to her personal fantasies. However, this blurs the line between reality and imagination for Alisha. The story takes a darker and more suspenseful turn as Alisha becomes embroiled in events that jeopardize the safety of Bari and Renta.
It may come as a surprise to many that Indonesia has a noteworthy psychopath-themed film titled Fiksi. Released in 2008 and directed by Mouly Surya, this psychological thriller boasts a gripping plot and portrays various harrowing events.
For your information, Fiksi. clinched four Citra Cups at the 2008 Indonesian Film Festival, including a nomination for Best Long Story Film. Additionally, Mouly Surya's outstanding work earned her recognition as the Best Director and Best Original Screenwriter.
4. Sleep Call
Sleep Call surprised many by exploring themes of mental health, including anti-social behavior and signs of psychopathy. These themes contributed to the film's popularity among thriller enthusiasts in Indonesia, directed by Fajar Nugros.
The story focuses on a young woman named Dina (Laura Basuki). Her dream of becoming a flight attendant was buried deep due to her responsibility to care for her ailing mother.
Without a clear job path, Dina reluctantly entered the murky world of online loans. In order to repay her debts, Dina found herself working as a debt collector for an online loan company.
This job caused immense stress for Dina because she lacked the aggressiveness and rudeness displayed by her colleagues. Adding to her misery were the advances made by her office manager and boss, who persistently tried to get close to her.
In an attempt to find solace, Dina turned to the "Sleep Call" feature on the dating app she used. Here, she encountered Rama (Bio One), a mysterious man who brought her happiness. Conversations with Rama became addictive for Dina, and she never missed their nightly exchanges.
Initially, this brought great joy to Dina's life. However, as time passed, this feature exposed Dina to a terrifying threat from an unknown person. This individual was determined to harm and potentially kill those closest to Dina. Who is this mysterious man?
5. Motel Melati
Melati (Alexandra Gottardo) manages a motel called "Losmen Melati." What sets Losmen Melati apart from other motels is that it is inhabited not only by the living but also by the deceased. Before Melati took over the business, the inn was owned by a doctor named Kusno (Kiki Narendra).
Back in the 1900s, Melati's biological mother sought out Doctor Kusno for assistance in curing her peculiar illness. Among all the doctors she had visited, only Doctor Kusno was willing to lend a helping hand to Melati's mother.
However, Doctor Kusno was an enigmatic and eccentric man. The community shunned him due to his fascination with things that deviated from the norm. Doctor Kusno was particularly fixated on various medical mysteries, which piqued his interest in assisting Melati's mother, whose unusual illness presented a unique challenge to him.
In truth, Doctor Kusno was a psychopath with a morbid obsession with corpses. Together with his son (Bima Sena), Doctor Kusno procured deceased bodies for their examinations. These experiments took place in the basement of their home.
6. The Forbidden Door
In addition to Ritual, Joko Anwar ventured into the realm of psychopath-themed cinema in 2009 with a movie titled The Forbidden Door. This film boasted a stellar cast of top Indonesian actors. What stood out for me in this movie was not only the storyline but also Joko Anwar's skillful direction.
The film unravels the life of Gambir (Fachri Albar), a sculptor who has reached the pinnacle of his career. Gambir appears to have it all: a beautiful wife named Talyda (Marsha Timothy), a supportive mother (Henidar Amroe), and understanding friends like Rio (Otto Djauhari) and Dandung (Ario Bayu).
Beneath the success and perfection in Gambir's life lies a chilling narrative that leaves him deeply unsettled. It all begins when his wife opts for a pregnancy termination. After the abortion, Talyda makes an unusual request: she asks Gambir to place the fetus into the stomach of a pregnant woman statue he crafted.
But Talyda's peculiar behavior doesn't end there. While Gambir is in the gallery, he stumbles upon a mysterious door by chance. As he attempts to open it, Talyda intervenes, declaring the door "forbidden" for him to enter. She adds that she would be distraught if Gambir were to breach that door. What actually lies behind this enigmatic door?
The Forbidden Door is replete with unexpected plot twists and harrowing scenes. For those of you who are easily unnerved, it's advisable not to watch this movie alone.
7. Killers
In the movie Killers, you are immersed in a harrowing showdown between two ruthless and deranged psychopaths. This chilling cinematic creation stands as one of The Mo Brothers' finest works and marks the first-ever collaboration between Indonesia and Japan in the entertainment industry.
The narrative commences in Japan, where Nomura Shuhei (Kazuki Kitamura) is perceived as a young executive admired by many. Yet, beneath his charismatic facade lies a disturbing set of ambitions and hobbies.
Nomura takes pleasure in tormenting and killing women who pique his interest, meticulously recording these heinous acts on video. To satiate his twisted desires, Nomura uploads these videos to the dark corners of the internet for all to witness.
Unbeknownst to Nomura, his sadistic videos serve as an inspiration to a man named Bayu Aditya (Oka Antara). In his daily life, Bayu is an ambitious journalist whose career is dismantled by a powerful politician.
Bayu finds solace in watching Nomura's murder videos, leading him to embark on a chilling path as a serial killer, with a twisted sense of justice. Employing the same methods as Nomura, Bayu subjects his victims to agonizing torment, capturing the horrors on camera and sharing them on the dark web.
It is through these sinister videos that Bayu and Nomura become acquainted. They bond over their shared grievances and the twisted motivations driving their violent psychopathy. Unbeknownst to Bayu, this connection will propel him into an even darker and more deranged chapter of his life.
8. Shackled
Elang (Abimana Aryasatya) is plagued by disturbing nightmares that feature horrific imagery. In his dreams, he witnesses a mysterious figure donning a rabbit costume, brandishing an axe, and committing gruesome acts of violence.
Simultaneously, the entire city is gripped by rumors of a serial killer targeting women. Despite the police taking charge of the investigation, they have been unable to apprehend the perpetrator. Consequently, suspicion festers among the townspeople, sowing doubt and fear.
Upon hearing these rumors, Elang becomes convinced that the killer in the rabbit costume is the same individual sought by the police. This prompts him to embark on a quest to unmask the enigmatic figure.
Whispers suggest that the person behind the rabbit mask might be Guntur (Verdi Solaiman). Guntur is no stranger to Elang; in fact, he lives in the same apartment complex. Elang also harbors a secret admiration for Guntur's wife, Djenar (Laudya Cynthia Bella). Is Guntur truly the culprit?
Shackled is an Indonesian psychopath-themed film that delves into the realm of terror. Directed by Upi Avianto, this movie is sure to leave you pondering, as it weaves a complex tapestry of mysteries and characters suspected of being the killer.
The movie's atmosphere is undeniably grim, particularly during the gruesome murder scenes. Remember that after watching this film, you may develop a deep aversion and fear of rabbit-shaped dolls.
9. Love and Edelweiss
Love and Edelweiss may have amateurish visual effects and cinematography, but it boasts an unconventional storyline. The film dives into the life of a cruel and malicious individual named Ryo (Mike Lucock).
From a young age, Ryo has been exposed to numerous frightening experiences. He was born into a family plagued by domestic violence, where Ryo became a receptacle for his parents' emotional turmoil. Alongside witnessing his father's cruel abuse towards his mother, Ryo himself did not escape unharmed.
Little Ryo was also a victim of sexual assault from someone close to him who turned out to be a pedophile. It was this series of unfortunate events that made Ryo a psychopath. Whatever Ryo wants must be realized even if it must be obtained in a brutal way.
One day, Ryo unintentionally assists a lovely girl named Cinta (Mentari). Cinta is in a relationship with Bugi (Chris Hatta), a man characterized by his arrogance, emotional volatility, and possessiveness. This has left Cinta feeling unfulfilled in her relationship with Bugi.
Simultaneously, Ryo appears as a guardian angel, consistently rescuing Cinta from dangerous situations. Up until this point, Cinta regards Ryo as a kind and helpful person due to his numerous acts of assistance. However, there's a crucial detail that eludes Cinta: Ryo's fixation isn't on love but on an obsession with Bugi. And this marks the outset of Ryo's spree of cruelty.
10. Detak
Detak, also known as Tarian Lengger Maut, is a horror movie that explores the cultural theme of the Lengger Dance from the city of Banyumas, Indonesia. Directed by Yongki Ongestu, the film not only explores the mystical aspects of the Lengger Dance but also introduces a premise involving a psychopath with a morbid obsession with the human heart.
Detak narrates Sukma's (Della Dartyan) pursuit of fame as a Lengger dancer in her village. However, to achieve this popularity, Sukma must engage in a perilous ritual.
Concurrently, the village community is shaken by a gruesome murder case. Residents of Pagelaras Village discover a corpse without a heart, a perplexing mystery that authorities have been unable to solve.
The number of victims of this serial killer continues to rise, sparking fear and paranoia, and making people hesitant to leave their homes.
Before long, Pagelaras Village is visited by Doctor Jati Arya Permana (Refal Hady). Doctor Jati is invited by the community to immerse himself in their culture, which includes attending a Lengger Dance performance. It is during this event that Doctor Jati crosses paths with Sukma.
Doctor Jati becomes captivated by Sukma, not just due to her beauty but also because he finds the rhythmic beating of her heart to be melodious. Unbeknownst to them, the encounter between Sukma and Doctor Jati is intertwined with the terror wrought by a serial killer who targets the hearts of the villagers.
11. Midnight Show
In the stillness of the night, a group of individuals assemble in an aging movie theater to view a controversial film. The movie revolves around a 12-year-old boy who commits the gruesome act of killing and mutilating his entire family.
As the scenes unfold on the movie screen, the audience is gripped by horror, for the depictions are shockingly sadistic. However, the terror doesn't confine itself to the cinematic world; it spills into reality.
While the film plays out, a perplexing murder transpires within the very confines of the theater. Suddenly, this incident unleashes chaos and apprehension among the audience.
Naya (Acha Septriasa), Juna (Gandhi Fernando), Sarah (Ratu Felisha), and other moviegoers who initially arrived to enjoy the film find themselves unexpectedly embroiled in a harrowing event. Together, they must collaborate to unveil the truth behind the murder that unfolded within the confines of the movie theater.
Those are some of the top Indonesian psychopath movies that are definitely worth a watch, particularly if you are intrigued by this theme. Have you seen any of the movies mentioned above? Or, do you know of any other Indonesian psychopath movies that are just as captivating? Please share your thoughts in the comment section!