Sumala (2024 Full HD)
Sumala (2024): A Gory Tale of Vengeance Rooted in Indonesian Urban Legend
"Sumala" (2024) is an Indonesian horror-thriller directed by Rizal Mantovani that dives deep into a chilling urban legend from a village in Semarang Regency. With a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes, this film blends supernatural horror, visceral gore, and a revenge-driven narrative, making it a standout for fans of intense, bloody horror. Starring Luna Maya, Darius Sinathrya, and the remarkable young talent Makayla Rose Hilli, "Sumala" explores themes of desperation, betrayal, and the consequences of a pact with dark forces. Here’s a detailed look at what makes this film a compelling, if imperfect, addition to the horror genre.
The Premise: A Pact with the Devil
Set in a remote village in Semarang Regency, "Sumala" centers on Sulastri (Luna Maya) and Soedjiman (Darius Sinathrya), a wealthy couple struggling to conceive after 11 years of marriage. Facing societal pressure and Soedjiman’s ultimatum to remarry if she fails to produce an heir, Sulastri turns to a shaman for a satanic ritual. This desperate act results in the birth of twin daughters, Kumala and Sumala. However, Soedjiman, repulsed by Sumala’s deformities, kills her at birth, breaking the devil’s pact that required both children to be raised with love until age 10. Kumala, the surviving twin, grows up disabled and faces relentless abuse from her parents and villagers. Years later, Sumala’s vengeful spirit returns, possessing Kumala to unleash a bloody reckoning on those who wronged her sister.
A Visceral Horror Experience
"Sumala" doesn’t hold back on gore, delivering a chaotic, blood-soaked narrative that aligns with slasher and possession horror traditions. The film’s violence, often perpetrated by or against young Kumala/Sumala, is both shocking and purposeful, driving the revenge plot forward. Scenes of brutal slayings, from stabbings to gruesome dismemberments, evoke comparisons to films like Chucky or Saw. However, the heavy reliance on CGI blood and digital effects can feel tacky, detracting from the otherwise immersive atmosphere. Despite this, the film’s woody, dark cinematography creates an eerie backdrop that amplifies its supernatural elements.
Standout Performances
Makayla Rose Hilli steals the show with her dual role as Kumala and Sumala. Her portrayal of Kumala’s vulnerability and Sumala’s malevolent spirit is hauntingly convincing, outshining the adult leads. Luna Maya and Darius Sinathrya, while delivering intense performances, have been criticized for wooden or overacted moments, particularly in the film’s slower first act. The supporting cast, including Ivonne Dahler as Mbok Sum, adds emotional depth, grounding the supernatural chaos in human tragedy.
Strengths: Revenge and Emotional Core
The film’s strongest aspect is its revenge narrative, which resonates deeply with viewers. Kumala’s isolation and abuse make her a sympathetic figure, and her transformation into an instrument of vengeance is both cathartic and chilling. The movie excels at depicting the cruelty she endures, from her father’s disdain to the villagers’ bullying, making her retaliation feel justified. This “good for her” arc, combined with nods to horror classics like The Omen and The Shining, keeps audiences engaged despite a predictable storyline.
Weaknesses: Pacing and Execution
While "Sumala" starts with a gripping premise, it struggles to maintain momentum. The flashback-heavy structure, set between the 1940s and 1950s, feels flat at times, lacking significant plot twists. The focus on Sulastri and Soedjiman’s unearned redemption arcs in the final act detracts from Kumala/Sumala’s story, diluting the horror. Additionally, the film’s attempt to explain the urban legend through a backstory weakens its eerie mystique, leaning more into action-gore than ghostly suspense. Some viewers have also noted that the urban legend itself may be fabricated, as exposed by Indonesian YouTube content creator Roxxane Production, which adds a layer of skepticism to its “based on a true story” claim.
Cultural Context and Reception
Rooted in an Indonesian urban legend about a village where residents avoid going out after sunset due to Sumala’s wrath, the film taps into local folklore and societal themes like patriarchal pressure and disability stigma. Released on September 26, 2024, and available on Netflix, it has received mixed reviews. Critics praise its gore and Hilli’s breakout performance, with ratings averaging 5.8/10 on IMDb and 3.8/5 on some platforms. However, Indonesian netizens have debated its authenticity, and some found the acting and digital effects lackluster. Posts on X reflect polarized sentiments, with some calling it a “sadis” (savage) must-watch, while others criticized its execution as a missed opportunity for a proper horror film.
Final Thoughts
"Sumala" is a bloody, emotionally charged horror film that thrives on its revenge-driven plot and Makayla Rose Hilli’s stellar performance. While it falters with inconsistent pacing, overreliance on CGI, and a predictable narrative, its grim atmosphere and cultural roots make it a worthwhile watch for fans of gory, supernatural horror. If you’re drawn to tales of vengeance with a side of visceral terror, "Sumala" delivers, but don’t expect a polished scarefest. Catch it on Netflix for a thrilling, if flawed, dive into Indonesian horror.