Take Background in Women's Prison, 'ISOLATION WARD' Presents Intense Duel Between Wulan Guritno and Kimberly Ryder

Kapanlagi.com - A film with an unusual genre, namely investigative mystery, is presented by Mesari Pictures and JP Pictures. The title is ISOLATION WARD. This film is directed by Adhe Dharmastriya and will soon be distributed in all cinemas in Indonesia on July 25, 2024.

The trailer for ISOLATION WARD was officially released on June 13, 2024, giving an idea of the tense tone that envelops the story of this film. In addition to the dominant thriller and action elements, the mystery element is also present in the main plot that serves as the backbone of the story.

Through excerpts shown in the trailer, it can also be seen that the majority of this film will be set in a remote location, which will add tension by creating a secluded atmosphere. Not only horror, but the driving force of the story of Isolation Ward is actually a story about family, the search for truth, and sacrifice to save loved ones.

1. Synopsis ISOLATION WARD

ISOLATION WARD is set in Central Java in 1990, focusing on the investigative efforts of a journalist, Weni (Kimberly Rider), who disguises herself as a prisoner in the Women's Prison of Queen Adil to uncover the mystery of her brother's death. Assisted by a prosecutor's subordinate disguised as a guard, Adit (Ibrahim Risyad), Weni gathers fragments of information and clues that indicate there is a larger conspiracy hidden behind the walls of the prison institution.

Weni's investigation is hindered by the presence of Bela (Wulan Guritno), a senior troublemaker prisoner who often disturbs the peace of other inmates. Anyone involved in a disturbance with Bela almost always ends up confined in the isolation ward. Strangely, all prisoners confined there do not come out alive.

Amidst the numerous immoral actions she encounters, Weni turns to Rusdiah (Rowiena Umboh), the prison psychiatrist who offers a safe and peaceful space for her. However, as the facts are revealed, the motives and interests of each individual slowly come to light, showing who is truly wicked and who is merely trying to survive and protect their loved ones.

2. Significant Meaning of Prison as a Story Setting

Teaser scene of ISOLATION WARD (Photo credit: Personal documentation)

As the first Indonesian film to use a women's prison as the main setting, Bangsal Isolasi offers a novelty aspect that makes it stand out among the bustling Indonesian thriller films that have emerged in the past five years. Director Adhe Dharmastriya revealed that the prison has a significant function in the development of this film's story.

"The prison is a place where all guilty people are gathered together. Then, what if the people who are already in prison receive unfair treatment inside the prison? Who should they ask for help? Well, based on that, I want to visualize life in prison with various conflicts, dramas, and mysteries. In this Ratu Adil prison, they only have two choices: death or survival," explained Adhe.

Furthermore, Adhe explained how he utilized the dimension of prison space as one of the main ingredients to create the atmosphere needed by the film. "It needs to be emphasized that this is not a horror film that will bring jump scares or demons. Instead, it is the situation in the prison itself that creates a creepy atmosphere."

3. Intense Duel Scene between Wulan Guritno and Kimberly Ryder

Press Conference of ISOLATION WARD (Photo credit: Personal documentation)

As briefly revealed in the trailer, ISOLATION WARD will also feature an intense duel scene between Kimberly Rider and Wulan Guritno inside the prison. As an actress who always strives to avoid repetition by playing similar characters, Wulan is interested in playing Bela because it will be her first time playing a prisoner.

ISOLATION WARD is also special for Wulan because it marks her return to exploring the action genre, considering the last time she was involved in an action film was about 20 years ago.

"Especially when I found out that the prison set will be filmed at Benteng Van Der Wijck, I became more convinced that this film will be very interesting," said Wulan.

Meanwhile, Kimberly considers ISOLATION WARD, which combines action, thriller, and mystery genres, as the perfect project for her comeback after being absent from the film industry for quite some time.

"I feel really challenged after reading the script. Plus, there's a fighting scene with Mbak Wulan, which is both exciting and challenging for me," said Kimberly.

The historical site of Benteng Van Der Wijck is used as the main shooting location in ISOLATION WARD. Serving as the backdrop for various key scenes in the Ratu Adil Women's Prison, producer Mulyadi JP believes that this defense fortress from the Dutch East Indies era is the most suitable location because of its distinctive appearance that naturally enhances the atmosphere of tension in the film.

"Benteng Van Der Wijck has a very specific and unique aura that is almost impossible to replicate by other locations. Benteng Van Der Wijk can be considered a 'character' of its own in this film," said Mulyadi.

Executive producer Darmawan Surjadi hopes that the totality poured into all aspects of this film's production can provide a quality experience for Indonesian film viewers. "I am optimistic that this film will provide a very unique watching experience. Hopefully, this film can reach a wide audience," he said.

(kpl/gtr)