Mangkujiwo is a horror film from Indonesia that explores the origins of the infamous Kuntilanak. This film takes us back to the 1950s, where a woman named Kanti (played by Asmara Abigail) is pregnant and deemed to be cursed by the villagers. She is thrown into a cattle stall and left to die. However, Brotoseno (Sujiwo Tejo), a royal servant, comes to rescue her with his mute servant, Sadi. Brotoseno takes Kanti to his home, where he locks her up in a special room with her limbs shackled.
Brotoseno tells Kanti that he will help her seek revenge, but in reality, he practices black magic and has Kanti perform a ritual in front of an antique mirror called Pengilon Kembar. The Pengilon Kembar mirror is believed to possess immense mystical powers that can predict danger. Brotoseno possesses half of the Pengilon Kembar, and the other half is kept by a businessman who was once a royal servant named Tjokro Kusumo.
Fast forward to 19 years later, Uma (played by Yasamin Jasem) works at a hotel where a negotiation is happening. Karmila, Colonel Herma, and Pulung are haggling over the price of an heirloom with Raymond. Uma witnesses Raymond being killed by Herma, and Pulung tries to rape her. Uma defends herself by breaking Pulung’s neck and then seeks solace in her estranged father’s home, Brotoseno.
Nyi Kenanga, Tjokro’s servant, advises that the Pengilon Kembar is reunited by Tjokro and Brotoseno. However, Tjokro does not want to work with Brotoseno. Herman arrives at Brotoseno’s home and informs him that Uma killed Pulung, Tjokro’s son. Nyi Kenanga then visits Brotoseno to express her desire to reunite the Pengilon Kembar. Despite her request, Brotoseno doesn’t take it seriously. Herman returns to Brotoseno’s home to kill Uma. She becomes possessed and pushes Herman into a container of hot water until he dies.
Karmila is curious about the conflict between Tjokro and Brotoseno, so she asks Nyi Kenanga. Nyi Kenanga divulges that the two will fight. Brotoseno shows Uma a hidden room in his home and tells her that Kanti was her mother. Tjokro had cursed Kanti, and Brotoseno took Kanti in to care for her. Kanti was killed by Tjokro, but it was made to look like suicide.
Brotoseno has been using Uma to exact his revenge on Tjokro all along. Will his plan work?
A Compelling Narrative
Mangkujiwo is an intriguing film with a well-crafted storyline. It plunges viewers into the world of black magic and the struggle for power between two royal servants. The tale is shared in a nonlinear fashion, which keeps the audience guessing and engrossed in the story. The secrets, revelations, and character development are all in place, providing a well-rounded narrative.
This movie isn’t just about horror; it also touches on themes of revenge, betrayal, and sacrifice. The characters in the film have distinct motivations, and the movie goes to great lengths to ensure that viewers understand them. Although some scenes are hard to watch, the audience becomes invested in the characters’ struggles and ultimately desires to see them succeed.
Conclusion
Mangkujiwo: The Birth of Kuntilanak is a must-watch for lovers of horror films. It is a remarkable movie that goes beyond the usual jump scares and gore. The storyline is well thought out, and the characters are captivating. The film provides thrilling scares, a good mystery, and a riveting narrative that is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
