Often Making Films Containing Religious Elements, Joko Anwar is Instead Called Anti-Islam

Kapanlagi.com - The Indonesian film industry is no stranger to the name Joko Anwar. He is a renowned director known for his works in the Indonesian horror film genre. One of his most explosive works is the film Satan's Servant, which tells the story of a family's terror due to the actions of the mother who serves Satan.

In Indonesia, a horror film feels incomplete if it does not incorporate religious elements. This is also what Joko Anwar does in his films. However, this is also what makes viewers consider him anti-Islam, as in the film Satan's Servant 2: Communion, a religious figure who should be able to defeat Satan instead becomes one of the victims.

Receiving such a response makes Joko Anwar feel that the message he wants to convey through his film has not yet been accepted and understood by the audience. According to him, that scene becomes one of the points that can be understood by the audience from the overall essence of the story.

1. Called Anti-Islam Because It Causes a Cleric to Die in Its Film

In the film PENGABDI SETAN 2: COMMUNION, there is a scene where a cleric dies due to a supernatural being, and this scene has received various comments from the audience. According to public opinion, a cleric possesses enough knowledge to defeat evil forces.

However, in a podcast with Kemal Palevi, Joko Anwar explains, "Even a pious cleric who prays five times a day can still possibly be defeated by a demon. Let alone us who don’t pray." Through this explanation, Joko Anwar wants to remind the audience to be more diligent in worship.

So, after watching the film, are you one of those who question the meaning of Joko Anwar or do you understand his message, KLOvers?

2. Taking a Short Leave from Indonesian Horror Films

(credit: instagram.com/jokoanwar)

Known for his horror films, Joko Anwar took a break from Indonesian horror to release his first science-fiction series on Netflix titled NIGHTMARES AND DAYDREAMS, which tells the stories of ordinary people facing strange events related to human existence in the world. This journey is divided into seven episodes with different stories.

Not only that, on April 17, Joko Anwar will release his 11th film inspired by history and filled with action titled PENGEPUNGAN DI BUKIT DURI. This film tells the story of a battle in a city, depicting intense conflict and touching drama. This film marks the first collaboration of Joko Anwar with the Hollywood company, Amazon MGM Studios.

(kpl/ute)