Review of Joko Anwar's 'Ghost in the Cell' | Berlin Art Link

"Gore, slapstick, political commentary and impromptu dance all find their way into Indonesian director Joko Anwar's new feature film, 'Ghost in the Cell' (Hantu Dalam Penjara). Anwar's 12th film, but by no means his first horror film, 'Ghost in the Cell' recently premiered at the 76th annual Berlinale film festival in the Forum section."

"Our protagonists reside in cell block C: for thieves, conmen and murderers. Other blocks, for politicians and celebrities, such as cell block K, afford inmates with luxury cells, freedom to leave as they please and cellphones. But a tyrannical warden engages in ruthless corporal punishment in block C and the protagonist of the film, Anggoro, stands up to the warden, challenging his brutal reign."

"The gory first third of the film leaves the viewer begging for some comic relief, and wondering how much of this should have remained an 'inner thought.' As the film progresses, however, so does the disarming slapstick and cheap laughs that have the audience roaring. It soon became clear that this would be an odd but unique cinematic experience."

Joko Anwar's 12th feature film, 'Ghost in the Cell,' premiered at the 76th Berlinale in the Forum section. Set in Labuan Angsana, a fictional Indonesian prison, the narrative follows protagonist Anggoro in cell block C, housing thieves, conmen, and murderers, while privileged inmates in block K enjoy luxury accommodations. When a gang leader is brutally murdered and dismembered, Anggoro's crew becomes the primary suspect, particularly after they befriend new inmate Dimas. The murderer transforms corpses into artistic installations. The film combines graphic gore with escalating slapstick comedy and impromptu dance sequences, creating an unconventional cinematic experience that balances horror with political and social commentary about systemic corruption and inequality.

Read at Berlin Art Link