KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 — Malaysia, no stranger to spine-chilling horror flicks, has long produced hits that creep their way to box-office success — and a new contender is poised to keep that legacy alive.
Last night, Astro Shaw’s Malam Terlarang, directed by Nurhanisham Muhammad — better known as Labu — in his feature film debut, held its gala premiere at GSC Mid Valley, where the film certainly gave audiences plenty of chills at its first screening.
Set in the 1980s, the film draws inspiration from the mystical beliefs and cultural rituals of the Nusantara, where it unfolds within a family haunted by generations of buried secrets.
Director Nurhanisham Muhammad (fourth from left) and cast of ‘Malam Terlarang’ at its gala premiere held at GSC Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur yesterday. — Picture courtesy of Astro Shaw
The story follows Mawar, an 18-year-old girl from the quiet town of Kampung Pasir Larung, where her dreams of becoming a journalist are derailed when she must care for her ailing mother, Sarimah, while her father, Omar, focuses on his rising political career.
The sudden death of her sister, Safar, soon unravels the family’s fragile balance, and Mawar begins to experience horrifying supernatural disturbances that drive her to uncover the truth behind Safar’s mysterious demise.
Meet the cast bringing Malam Terlarang to life
Leading the film is acclaimed local star Shasha Abedul, who portrays Mawar — defined by strength, complexity, emotional vulnerability and like many of her previous on-screen roles, she certainly delivers a strong performance.
“I’ve acted in horror films before, but I’ve never experienced a production like this,” said Shasha.
Her portrayal marks a refreshing evolution in the Malaysian horror genre, where the focus shifts from mere ghosts to the deeper exploration of trauma and the human psyche.
Zul Ariffin offers a transformative performance as Omar, showcasing both physical and emotional range, while Sofia Jane — one of Malaysia’s most respected actresses — takes on her first-ever lead role in a horror feature as the character Sarimah.
“I would say the heroes behind this film are the ones behind the camera,” said Zul.
Sofia explained why she decided to join this psychological horror project, noting it had been over a decade since she last acted in one — Susuk in 2008, stating ‘I love horror films, I’m a big fan, and I grew up with them.”
Rounding out the ensemble cast are Sabri Yunus, Normah Damanhuri, Hasnul Rahmat, Amir Nafis, Haneesya Hanee, Aila Azizul, and Sadiq M. Jamil, each adding depth and texture to the story.
Beyond jump scares and why it’s a must-watch
While the film delivers plenty of chills and jump scares, Malam Terlarang goes beyond surface-level horror, delving into how the pursuit of worldly desires can spiral into obsession and, ultimately, destruction.
“It’s not just about jump scares and mysticism,” said Sofia.
“It also explores the political world we live in, the social dynamics, and how family institutions work, showing how political families often have to maintain a perfect façade.
“There’s a lot in this film to talk about that goes beyond just jump scares,” she added.
The film also depicts rituals of the Nusantara, such as the ‘puja pantai’ — a traditional coastal ceremony never before portrayed on the big screen — while bringing to life the myth of Pamakbul, the evil Sea Goddess of the Nusantara.
Overall, it’s a horror story that goes beyond the supernatural, showing how human greed, obsession, and ambition can be far more terrifying than any ghost or demon.
Malam Terlarang is set to hit cinemas nationwide tomorrow, October 30, and with Halloween season in full swing, it’s definitely a movie you’ll want to keep on your watchlist.
