Not Just Horror, Falcon Pictures Presents A Strong Moral Message In Shutter Film

Gala premiere film Shutter (doc. Falcon Pictures)

JAKARTA - Falcon Pictures has again strengthened its horror film line after gaining attention through Kang Mak X's 'Kang Solah From Kang X Gayung'. This time, they presented the 'Shutter', a tense spectacle that not only offers supernatural tensions, but also carries social messages relevant to today's reality, especially the issue of sexual violence in the academic environment.

Under the direction of director Herwin Novianto, Shutter is a re-adaptasi of the Thai horror film by Banjong Pisanthanakun, which is recognized as one of the best Asian horror masterpieces of all time.

Meanwhile, this version combines elements of psychological terror, supernatural phenomena, and social issues. The merger makes this film not just an ordinary horror treat, but a place for deep reflection of unfinished justice and hidden trauma.

"I want to make horror that has a soul. The fear in Shutter does not only come from ghosts, but from the bitter reality that is often overlooked. The image in this film is a metaphor for trauma and suppressed truth," Hervin said after the gala premiere in Thamrin, Central Jakarta, Friday, October 24.

Shutter's main narrative centers on Darwin's character (played by Vino G. Bastian), a young photographer. His life suddenly capsized after he and his girlfriend, Pia (Anya Geraldine), were involved in a tragic accident. They hit a foreign woman on a deserted street at night, which was the beginning of an endless nightmare.

After that incident, Darwin was haunted by a strange shadow that always appeared in every shot of his camera. The figure of the same woman, who kept staring from behind the darkness, was then traced by Pia.

Pia found the fact that the entity was not just a curious spirit, but a victim of a crime that occurred in the past, which involved the practice of abuse of power in the campus environment.

The investigation then exposed the dark secrets that Darwin had been hiding tightly. The secret includes the story of sexual harassment in academics, the issue of gender inequality, and the lack of adequate reporting systems, which forced many victims to remain silent.

Talking about his character this time, Vino said, playing Darwin was quite draining of his emotions and mentality. For him, playing in this film is like entering the dark world which also reflects on many of our current social realities.

"Darwin is a character who lives in lies. When his past secrets are revealed, the audience will realize that the biggest terror actually comes from guilt," said Vino.

Meanwhile, Anya, who plays Pia, said that her character is a brave woman who represents the voice of another woman who does not remain silent when facing injustice.

In this film, I feel that Pia is not only Darwin's lover, but also a symbol of strength and empathy. For me personally, this film message is very important about how campus, or any space, it should be safe for everyone #SafespaceForAll," said Anya.

Furthermore, Shutter brings an important mission to urge the creation of a safe space for everyone. Through the #SafespaceForAll campaign initiative, this film tries to remind the public that sexual harassment is a systemic problem, not just a personal matter, which must be faced collectively.

Falcon Pictures producer Frederica confirmed that this film was designed to provide a layered experience for viewers. "On the surface, this is a terrible horror film. But behind that, Shutter keeps a message about justice and the courage to speak up. We want the audience not only to be afraid, but also to be touched and think," said Frederica.

For information, Shutter's tense atmosphere was also strengthened by the theme song titled At the Night Limit, performed by Danilla Riyadi. This song is an emotional thread that binds the story as well as presents the dimension of beauty in the midst of horror.

The film, which also stars Niken Anjani, Rangga Nattra, Dewi Gita, Michelle Tahalea, Angie Ang, and Nugie, is scheduled to start showing on the Indonesian cinema screen on October 30.