THE terror-inducing trials of the Suwono family continue in the sequel to the Indonesian horror movie Pengabdi Setan (Satan's Slaves) from 2017.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Joko Anwar, the first edition was a remake of the 1980 cult classic of the same name which became a runaway success commercially and critically.
It followed the creepy developments of a family that was trapped in a house in a rural area afflicted by supernatural forces.
By the end of the horrendous ordeal which presented more questions than answers, only the father, Bahri (played by Bront Palarae), and three of his children, Rini (Tara Basro), Toni (Endy Arfian) and Bondi (Nasar Anuz) survive.
HORROR GALORE
In a recent virtual interview with Joko, the 46-year-old director, producer and writer said that the new movie, Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion, raises the stakes in the horror department.
"From the first one to the second one we follow the same family. This time, they have moved to a rumah susun (low-cost apartment).
"So, the terror in the last one was confined to a house. With the sequel the terror and scares are tripled for good effect," he said of the 14-storey building.
CHALLENGING QUARTERS
Joko notes that the scariest thing about the new project was the challenge of filming in an actual apartment block.
"Because of the setting, we couldn't just create the locations so we had to shoot at an actual rumah susun that had been abandoned for over a decade.
"Due to our 4-month schedule and long hours no one would allow us to film in a place that was inhabited which left us with only the uninhabited option.
"The production team had to make sure that safety came first for everyone involved during the filming," he said.
When asked about any supernatural encounters, Joko explained that there were no untoward incidents.
"We could only pray but fortunately, there were no 'disturbances' during our time there," he said.
BEST SHOT
Bront, who was also present, added that it was a complex and challenging shoot from a technical aspect because of the contrasting tight areas and open spaces of the location, as well as the lighting.
In the movie, the sins of the father follow the family and darker revelations and bigger threats are revealed both figuratively and literally since a lot of the movie takes place during a blackout.
"Working in the apartments was very challenging but, with the excellent cast, the burden was much lighter and we became like family.
"We were all in this together and working to get the best out of it for the audience," said the 44-year-old Malaysian actor.
ROLLERCOASTER RIDE
Interestingly enough, Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion, also features some light-hearted moments.
"We don't want people to come out of the cinema sad or depressed since we just came out of a pandemic.
"So, the sequel is a rollercoaster ride with some comedic elements done intentionally. The film must be entertaining. The scares are there and people will scream and shout but they'll also laugh," Joko said.
CLUES ABOUND
Talking about the cryptic elements that pepper the two movies, Joko explained that there are easter eggs and clues for eagle-eyed viewers.
"Certain things remain mysterious or unexplained but there are bread crumbs throughout.
"I think there's a joy in repeated viewings and it'll certainly give the viewers a better understanding of the characters and various other things," he said.
With the sequel, Joko has expanded on the lore and world within the Pengabdi Setan movies, which includes the cult elements and its deviant teachings.
"Some of these are based on the real world, which is interesting since some people want alternative answers to the unknown and for them religion is not enough. People have very complex thinking, so it's really something interesting to look into.
"As for the details on the cult aspect, I don't want to reveal much since I might be exploring certain things in a much deeper manner in the coming films," he said.
SCARY SUCCESS
Pengabdi Setan was a major hit which became the highest grossing Indonesian movie of 2017 and the second highest grossing Indonesian horror movie of all time.
The sequel is also set to be another big success for Joko.
"On the first day of screening in Indonesia, Pegabdi Setan 2 was seen by over 700,000 cinemagoers which is the highest opening number of all time for an Indonesian horror film.
"And on the fifth day of screening it hit over 2.5 million viewers," he said of the movie which had a budget of USD1 million (RM4.5 million).
Joko hopes that the production team's focus on a good story and cinematography, as well as other technical aspects will provide a good quality product that people in other countries could also appreciate.
"We're not relying on cheap jump scares but a memorable storyline with a family theme that many would be able to relate to.
"Hopefully, this new film will also encourage people to go back and watch the first one again," he said.
Pengabdi Setan 2: Communion is currently showing in Malaysian cinemas.
