Heatalk, Jakarta – Jagal Teluh is an Indonesian horror film that premiered in theaters across Indonesia on February 27, 2025. Produced by PT Suhita Zenza Sinema in collaboration with Seroja Film and Majas Pictures Film, the movie is directed by George Hutabarat with a screenplay by Yudianto Suros. The film features a talented cast, including Selvi Kitty as Saida and Elina Joerg as Mahira, alongside Ferdi Ali, Mastur, Udin Penyok, Kelono Gambuh, Danita Rebecca, and Jho Rizky.
The narrative centers on Saida, a woman ostracized due to her disfigured appearance resulting from childhood injuries. Her cousin, Mahira, in contrast, is celebrated for her beauty. Driven by envy and a deep-seated desire for acceptance, Saida seeks the assistance of Ki Ageng, portrayed by Kelono Gambuh, to transform her appearance. This transformation involves a dark ritual requiring the hair of a deceased woman who passed away before childbirth. With Mahira’s reluctant help, Saida completes the ritual, attaining the beauty she longed for. However, her newfound allure leads her down a path of vengeance against those who once scorned her, unleashing a series of terrifying events in their village.
Beyond its horror elements, “Jagal Teluh” conveys a profound message about gratitude and the dangers of defying moral and religious norms. Producer Zain Zalik emphasizes that the film serves as a reminder to appreciate one’s inherent blessings and to avoid actions that contravene ethical principles. This thematic depth makes the movie particularly resonant during significant periods, such as the approach of the holy month of Ramadan.
Filming at sacred tombs and the bridge of the G30S/PKI Massacre
To create a eerie atmosphere, the production took place over 20 days in Solo and Klaten where known for their rich cultural heritage. According to Udin, the cast of Jagal Teluh, this film was shot in haunted locations, such as sacred tombs and an old bridge known as the site of mass killings during the G30S/PKI incident.
Choosing eerie locations for filming, Udin, shared the production team’s experiences, “Elina Joerg was possessed around 2 AM—she suddenly started dancing. My assistant, who was standing beside me, was also suddenly possessed. I saw ‘something’ as well. But this is normal because, according to locals, the locations we used for filming are haunted-places. The bridge, which is one of our filming locations, was the site of PKI massacres. There was even a storm with strong winds, causing tents to be blown away, and the graves there are sacred.”
A storyline that relates to real life
Jagal Teluh is considered to reflect real-life situations in society. The characters portrayed in the film are commonly found in everyday life. For example, witchcraft from a mistress that is often cast upon the lawful wife. This disaster could happen because Aldo (Ferdi Ali) has an affair with another woman while on duty.
However, Ferdi Ali stated that he wanted to bring a fresh touch to his role to effectively convey emotions to the audience, He stated, “I have to truly express the emotions of losing someone I love, especially due to the actions of a loved one too. So, I want to deliver something different, and this is a challenge for me,” said Ferdi.
Another important character who is frequently encountered in real life is Aditya (Axcel Benza). Aditya is portrayed as an arrogant, stubborn person who has no hesitation in defying his parents.
“Our story really reflects common occurrences in society,” said Suhita, who is both an actress and the executive producer of Jagal Teluh.
Expansion plans to 10 ASEAN countries
In an exclusive interview with Heaptalk, Suhita revealed that the film is set to expand into around 10 ASEAN countries.
“We have already received offers to expand into several countries within the ASEAN region, including Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, and others,” said Suhita.
During the interview, Suhita also expressed her hope that audiences will enjoy the film’s storyline, leading to its success and growing interest from viewers.
