‘Mantra Surugana’ Netflix Movie Review - Haunting Echoes in the Dorm

Nestled amongst Netflix's diverse horror offerings, "Mantra Surugana" creeps in from Indonesia, promising a chilling narrative of ancient curses, university mysteries, and the fight for survival in a haunted dorm. We meet Tantri, a wide-eyed freshman stepping onto the threshold of her new life, unaware that the creaking floorboards and whispering hallways hold more than just the usual anxieties of student life. As she settles in, unsettling occurrences begin to plague the dorm – disappearances, chilling murmurs in the dead of night, and a pervasive sense of dread that clings to the very walls like cobwebs.

Curiosity compels Tantri to dig deeper, and soon she stumbles upon a chilling truth. The dorm, steeped in history and whispers of the past, is haunted by a vengeful demon, its rage fueled by a tragic tale of betrayal and injustice. Aided by a stoic senior named Wisnu and a tech-savvy friend, Kinara, Tantri embarks on a perilous quest to unravel the mystery. She must confront not only the supernatural terrors lurking within the shadows but also the dark secrets buried deep within the university's hallowed halls.

"Mantra Surugana" excels in crafting an atmosphere thick with dread. The cramped dorm becomes a living character, it's every creak and groan a chilling reminder of the unseen presence that stalks its corridors. The film deftly utilizes Indonesian folklore, weaving the legend of the Kuntilanak, a vengeful female spirit, into the narrative, adding a layer of cultural authenticity and depth. However, the pacing suffers at times, occasionally lingering on scenes that could benefit from a sharper cut and tighter editing.

The performances in "Mantra Surugana" are commendable. Rania Putrisari embodies Tantri's vulnerability and resilience with nuance, capturing the transformation from a wide-eyed freshman to a young woman thrust into a supernatural nightmare. Omar Daniel provides a strong counterpoint as Wisnu, the enigmatic senior with a hidden past, while Putri Marino offers a spark of humor and resourcefulness as the tech-savvy Kinara. However, the character development feels uneven, with some motivations and backstories left underdeveloped, leaving some emotional arcs incomplete.

The greatest strength of "Mantra Surugana" lies in its premise. The fusion of university mystery and Indonesian folklore holds immense potential for chills and thrills. Yet, the execution feels somewhat restrained. The scares, while effective in certain moments, rely heavily on jump scares and familiar tropes, failing to fully explore the potential for genuine psychological horror. The demon, while menacing, lacks the depth and complexity that could have elevated the film from a genre exercise to a truly chilling masterpiece.

Despite its shortcomings, "Mantra Surugana" offers a valuable glimpse into the burgeoning Indonesian horror scene, showcasing its ability to blend cultural elements with familiar genre tropes. While it may not redefine the genre, the film leaves a lingering sense of unease, a reminder that sometimes, the darkest shadows are found not in the depths of the forest but in the familiar corners of our own lives.

"Mantra Surugana" is a serviceable horror film, one that delivers genuine chills and suspense in fleeting moments. However, it ultimately fails to live up to the chilling potential of its premise. The atmospheric setting and Indonesian folklore offer glimpses of originality, but the familiar narrative and reliance on jump scares leave a sense of disappointment.

For those seeking a genuinely unsettling experience, look elsewhere. But for fans of Indonesian horror or those seeking a light fright on a rainy night, "Mantra Surugana" might just cast a spell.

Final Score – [6.5/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Publisher at Midgard Times