‘Sumala’ Netflix Movie Review - A Dance with the Devil’s Offspring

"Sumala" takes the classic "deal with the devil" storyline and wraps it in eerie village folklore, stunning visuals, and a fair share of questionable decision-making. Directed by Rizal Mantovani, this Indonesian horror flick delivers supernatural thrills, poetic justice, and an ensemble of villagers who seem genetically incapable of making good life choices.

The story begins with Sulastri, who wants nothing more than to have children. Unable to conceive, she does what any rational person in a horror film would do—consult a shaman. She strikes a deal that results in the birth of twins. But, of course, this is not your run-of-the-mill pregnancy. One twin, Kumala, is disabled, and the other, Sumala, is born with deformities so unsettling that her father, Soedjiman, decides to take matters into his own hands and disposes of her immediately. As history has repeatedly shown, dumping an unwanted child—especially one linked to the supernatural—never ends well. But hey, hindsight is 20/20.

Fast-forward and Kumala is growing up in a village where the people have all the compassion of a broken streetlamp. She is mocked, mistreated, and ignored, while her mother watches helplessly. It’s a setup so infuriating that by the time Sumala’s vengeful spirit makes her grand return, you’re practically rooting for her. The villagers, who previously couldn’t be bothered to show an ounce of empathy, are suddenly very concerned about their safety now that an angry ghost is in their midst.

Makayla Rose Hilli gives an unsettling yet sympathetic performance as Sumala. She moves like a nightmare come to life—calm, calculated, and just human enough to make you question whether she’s truly the villain. And that’s the strength of the film: it never gives you an easy answer. Yes, Sumala is terrifying. Yes, she’s killing people. But is she really the monster in this story?

The cinematography works hard to keep the tension high. The village, with its mist-covered pathways and dimly lit homes, becomes a character of its own. The sound design is sharp, using silence as effectively as it uses eerie chants and sudden, sharp notes. The jump scares are well-timed, not overused, and actually serve the narrative rather than just being thrown in for cheap thrills.

But for all its strengths, "Sumala" has its flaws. The pacing is about as uneven as a dirt road after a storm. Some scenes drag on for too long, while others feel rushed. There are moments where the film teases a deeper exploration of guilt, superstition, and justice, but it never fully commits. Instead, it occasionally falls back on standard horror tropes, which, while effective, make you wish it took a few more risks.

The villagers, as a collective, are frustratingly one-dimensional. Their shift from indifferent bystanders to panicked victims is too abrupt. If the film had spent more time fleshing out their relationships with Kumala before Sumala’s return, the horror would have had more emotional weight. Instead, you find yourself watching their demise with more amusement than sympathy.

The film's biggest strength is its ability to blur the line between justice and revenge. Sumala is both executioner and victim, ghost and wronged child, making her far more compelling than the typical horror antagonist. By the time the climax rolls around, you’re left wondering whether the true horror lies in the supernatural events or the human cruelty that led to them.

"Sumala" isn’t perfect, but it’s gripping. It’s a ghost story with a bite, a revenge tale that makes you think twice, and a horror movie that actually tries to be more than just a collection of scares. It may not completely escape the conventions of the genre, but it bends them just enough to leave a lasting impression. And if nothing else, it serves as an excellent reminder: if a mysterious shaman offers you a deal, just say no.

Final Score- [5.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times