Danur: I Can See Ghosts (2017) is a chilling Indonesian horror film that weaves a captivating tale of supernatural mystery, childhood wonder, and ancestral curses. Adapted from Risa Saraswati’s bestselling novel, this supernatural thriller became one of Indonesia’s highest-grossing horror films, striking a balance between heartfelt emotion and spine-chilling terror. Directed by Awi Suryadi and starring Prilly Latuconsina as young Risa, Danur is a must-watch for fans of Asian horror, folklore-driven stories, and ghostly narratives. In this movie review, we explore why Danur: I Can See Ghosts remains a standout in Indonesian cinema.
A Ghostly Tale of Friendship and Fear
Danur: I Can See Ghosts follows Risa (Prilly Latuconsina), a lonely young girl who moves to her grandmother’s eerie old house. There, she unexpectedly befriends three ghostly children—Peter, William, and Janshen—who seem playful and harmless at first. But when Risa’s mother (Kinaryosih) enlists a shaman to open her daughter’s inner eye, Risa begins to see the spirits’ unsettling true forms. As the ghostly trio’s tragic past unravels, a vengeful spirit emerges, targeting Risa’s younger sister, Riri (Sandrinna Michelle), in a chilling escalation of supernatural terror.
The film masterfully blends Indonesian folklore with psychological horror, exploring themes of acceptance, loss, and the fragile bonds between the living and the dead. The haunted piano melodies and ancestral curses woven into the plot add layers of cultural depth, making Danur both a terrifying and emotionally resonant experience.
Stellar Performances That Bring Heart to Horror
Prilly Latuconsina delivers a captivating performance as Risa, portraying a young girl torn between curiosity and fear with remarkable authenticity. Her ability to convey both innocence and bravery makes Risa a compelling protagonist, grounding the film’s supernatural elements in genuine emotion. Sandrinna Michelle shines as Riri, adding vulnerability that heightens the stakes of the vengeful spirit’s threat. The ghostly children, played by Shareefa Daanish and others, strike a haunting balance between playful and menacing, their performances enhanced by eerie makeup and visual effects.
The chemistry between Risa and her spectral friends adds a layer of sentimental childhood wonder, making their eventual unraveling all the more heart-wrenching. The supporting cast, including Kinaryosih as Risa’s mother, adds emotional weight to the family dynamics, tying the horror to relatable human struggles.
Eerie Atmosphere and Cultural Richness
The cinematography by Adrian Sugiono creates a haunting atmosphere, with the grandmother’s creaky, shadow-filled house serving as a perfect backdrop for supernatural dread. The haunted piano, a recurring motif, adds an unsettling auditory layer, its melodies echoing through tense scenes. The film’s use of Indonesian folklore—particularly Javanese beliefs about spirits and ancestral ties—grounds the horror in cultural authenticity, making Danur a unique entry in the Asian horror genre.
The sound design is equally effective, with ghostly whispers and sudden crescendos amplifying the tension. While the film leans on traditional jump scares, its strength lies in building atmospheric dread, making every creak and shadow feel alive with menace.
