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Tusuk Jelangkung

Name: Tusuk Jelangkung
Director: Dimas Djayadiningrat
Released: 2003
Duration: 133 min

Representation Score

3.1/10

Limited

2003

Director

Dimas Djayadiningrat

Runtime

133 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Tusuk Jelangkung is a genre-specific exploration of Indonesian folklore that emphasizes cultural authenticity over social critique. It successfully grounds its horror narrative in local traditions, using the Jelangkung doll to create an authentically Indonesian experience. However, the film relies heavily on conventional horror clichés and lacks complexity in representing diverse identities. While it celebrates local culture, it does not challenge traditional social structures or gender roles. Ultimately, the film stands as a culturally authentic piece of genre cinema that focuses on a traditional ensemble and lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Tusuk Jelangkung have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers on a heterosexual relationship between Rea and Zacky, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex intimacy.

How does Tusuk Jelangkung portray gender?

Fair

The movie features a mix of male and female characters, but the female characters primarily react to supernatural events rather than driving the plot themselves.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Tusuk Jelangkung?

Good

The film showcases an Indonesian cast and draws on local traditions, making the supernatural elements feel authentic to its cultural context.

How does Tusuk Jelangkung represent religion and culture?

Fair

The storyline is deeply rooted in local spiritual beliefs and indigenous folklore, emphasizing traditional mysticism over Western secularism or organized religion.

Does Tusuk Jelangkung include disability representation?

Minimal

All characters are portrayed as able-bodied and there are no depictions of physical disabilities or neurodivergence in the narrative.

Present on Screen

Strong ethnic authenticity through an Indonesian cast and local folklore.
Avoids the Western perspective by utilizing indigenous supernatural elements.
Deeply embedded in local spiritualism and traditional belief systems.

Limited or Absent

Lacks representation for LGBTQ+ identities and non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth characters.
Relies on traditional gender clichés rather than challenging social hierarchies.
No visible or invisible disability representation is present in the narrative.

Official Synopsis

It all starts when Rea invites her boyfriend Zacky to play jelangkung. Her friend scold at her for doing this but it is too late, calamity already begins. A spirit is haunting them and Rea tries to find a way to get rid of it. They go to see a paranormal, and they are told that the only way to get rid of the spirit is by pulling up a jelangkung doll that is planted one year ago in Angker Batu.

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