𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 (𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟕)

𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 (2017)

Satan’s Slaves (Pengabdi Setan) is an Indonesian supernatural horror film directed by Joko Anwar. It serves as both a remake and a prequel to the 1980 film of the same name. The film is not only terrifying due to its horror elements but also captivates with its well-crafted plot, which explores themes of faith, cults, and family bonds.

Story Setting

Set in 1981 in Indonesia, the film follows a poor family living in an old, isolated house on the outskirts of Jakarta. The family consists of the father (Bront Palarae), the mother Mawarni Suwono (Ayu Laksmi), and their four children: Rini (Tara Basro) – the strong-willed eldest daughter, Toni (Endy Arfian), Bondi (Nasar Anuz), and the youngest, Ian (Muhammad Adhiyat), a mute boy with an unusually keen intuition.

The mother was once a famous singer, but for years, she suffered from a mysterious illness that left her bedridden. The family struggled financially while taking care of her. As her condition worsened, she frequently rang a bell to call for help and exhibited eerie behavior, creating an unsettling atmosphere in the house. Eventually, she passed away, leaving the family in grief.

Strange Occurrences Begin

Following her death, a series of terrifying supernatural events unfold. The children start seeing their mother’s ghostly figure appearing around the house, especially at night. The bell she used to ring echoes through the halls, even though no one is there to touch it. Doors open on their own, dark shadows lurk in the corridors, and ghostly whispers fill the air, terrifying the family.

An elderly neighbor, Mrs. Rahma (Elly D. Luthan), warns them that their house holds a sinister secret. Shortly after, she mysteriously dies, dragged into a well by an unseen force. This shocking event fuels Rini’s determination to uncover the truth.

The Dark Secret of the Mother and the Satanic Cult

While investigating her mother’s past, Rini discovers a horrifying truth: their mother was once involved in a satanic cult. This cult performed rituals that granted its members the ability to bear children, but in return, those children were promised to dark forces. This revelation explains why their mother, who was once unable to conceive, eventually gave birth to four children after joining the cult.

After her death, the cult reappears, demanding the child that was promised to them. Rini and her siblings realize that their youngest brother, Ian, is the one they are after, as he was the last child their mother gave birth to.

A Night of Horror and the Battle for Survival

Terrified by the supernatural occurrences, the father decides to leave the house to find money and arrange for their move. Unbeknownst to him, his absence allows the malevolent forces to attack.

On a fateful night, cult members dressed in black robes surround the house, preparing to perform their ritual. At the same time, vengeful spirits invade the home, tormenting Rini and her siblings. The house becomes a nightmare as horrifying figures appear everywhere. Ian is dragged into a dark room, and doors and windows slam shut, trapping them inside.

Amidst the chaos, their grandmother (Elly Luthan) – believed to be long dead – suddenly appears and intervenes, helping them fend off the ritual. She reveals that she once tried to protect their mother from the cult but failed. Shortly after, the father returns just in time to rescue his children from the cult’s clutches.

The next morning, the family prepares to leave the haunted house for good. However, as Rini looks at an old family photograph, she notices a mysterious man standing behind her mother – the same man she recognizes as a key figure in the cult. This chilling revelation suggests that their nightmare is far from over.

Ending and Connection to the Sequel

The film ends with an ominous scene of a man watching the family from afar, hinting that the dark forces are still lurking. The story continues in the sequel, Satan’s Slaves 2: Communion (2022), where Rini and her siblings face a new terror after moving into an apartment complex.

Why the Film Stands Out

• Eerie and Haunting Atmosphere: The film effectively creates a sense of dread with dark cinematography, confined spaces, and sudden ghostly appearances.
• Blend of Folklore and Satanic Cult Themes: Inspired by Indonesian legends and cult rituals, the film offers a unique and chilling narrative.
• Strong Performances: Tara Basro and the child actors deliver compelling performances, making the horror feel real and immersive.
• Terrifying Sound Design: The ringing bell, ghostly whispers, and unsettling background music amplify the fear factor.
• Tight Connection to the Sequel: The mysteries in the first film are further explored in the second installment, creating an engaging and horrifying saga.

With its overwhelming success, Satan’s Slaves became the highest-grossing Indonesian horror film at the time and solidified Joko Anwar’s reputation as a master of horror filmmaking.