Shaarefa Daanish Feels Challenged to Be a Psychiatrist in the Horror Film 'UTUSAN IBLIS'

Kapanlagi.com - DLK Pictures is preparing to launch its latest work, a horror film titled 'Utusan Iblis' on January 2, 2025. Unlike most films of its kind, this film directed by Dyan Sunu Prastowo offers a unique combination of horror and psychological elements. The theme it carries does not only rely on shocking effects but also touches on the deeper aspects of trauma and mental disorders.

Shaarefa Daanish, who plays the main character named Olivia, reveals her reasons for joining this project. Although she has often been involved in the horror genre, this role presents its own challenges.

"This is the first film where I get to play a psychiatrist. So it is very challenging. Because she is not just a psychiatrist but has a very painful past trauma," said Shaarefa at the poster and trailer launch in the Pegangsaan area, Central Jakarta, on Friday night (22/11/2024).

To delve into her character, Shaarefa, along with Cindy Nirmala and Dyan Sunu Prastowo, conducted direct observations at a private psychiatric hospital in South Jakarta. They discussed with medical staff to gain a deeper understanding of the behaviors of patients with mental disorders.

"There we discussed with the head of the hospital about what it’s like for someone experiencing mental disorders," said Shaarefa.

1. Famous Actors and Actresses

Credit: Special

According to Dyan Sunu Prastowo, there is a fine line that distinguishes between mental disorders and possession phenomena. The symptoms of schizophrenia often resemble this condition.

"People who experience schizophrenia often exhibit signs of possession. In sanatoriums, there are people like that,” Sunu explained.

In addition to Shaarefa, this film also stars Dimas Aditya, Rhesa Putri, Audya Ananta, and Rachel Mikhayla. Producer Diana Limbong stated that the story in this film is inspired by a murder case in Jagakarsa in 2023, where a family member was the main perpetrator.

"So after hearing about that shocking case, I thought, why not turn it into a film? Because there are psychological issues that we explore here, not just jump scare horror,” Diana clarified.

2. Starting from a Conversation

The scenario 'Devil's Messenger' was written by Gerald Mamahit, who previously helped succeed 'KKN in the Dancing Village'. Diana Limbong revealed that the idea for this story came from her conversation with Dyan Sunu.

"It started from my chat with Mas Sunu. At that time we were having coffee, and from that coffee came the inspiration. Coincidentally, it was about my neighbor. It went viral at that time too. When the police asked, the perpetrator only answered that he was influenced by whispers," said Diana.

(kpl/far/glk)