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Satan's Slaves

Name: Satan's Slaves
Director: Joko Anwar
Released: 2017
Duration: 106 min

Representation Score

3.5/10

Limited

2017

Not Rated

Director

Joko Anwar

Runtime

106 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Satan's Slaves is a localized supernatural horror film that emphasizes domestic tension and religious iconography over social subversion. While it provides a nuanced look at Indonesian family dynamics, it adheres to traditional structures without challenging them. The film's strengths lie in its cultural specificity and its ability to transform familiar archetypes, such as the mother, into sources of horror. However, it lacks diverse representation, particularly for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities. Ultimately, the narrative focuses on the terror of a generational occult curse, while social hierarchies remain largely intact.

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Category Breakdown

Does Satan's Slaves have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories, focusing solely on a traditional family setup without any non-binary gender representations.

How does Satan's Slaves portray gender?

Fair

The maternal figure breaks away from the nurturing stereotype by becoming a source of fear. However, the film reinforces traditional gender roles, depicting fathers as protectors and women as vulnerable.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Satan's Slaves?

Fair

The cast is made up of a homogeneous Indonesian group, reflecting the film's localized setting. It focuses on a specific ethnic experience without addressing broader racial hierarchies.

How does Satan's Slaves represent religion and culture?

Limited

Islamic practices play a key role in defending against supernatural threats. The narrative centers around faith as a core element of reality without critiquing religious institutions.

Does Satan's Slaves include disability representation?

Minimal

Chronic illness is used as a plot device to advance the supernatural storyline. Characters with illnesses are not given much control over their situations and are not portrayed in an empowering light.

Present on Screen

Effective use of Indonesian religious symbols and local cultural elements.
Transforms the traditional maternal archetype into a source of horror.
Offers a deeply localized and authentic ethnic experience.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any representation of LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
Reinforces traditional gender roles by portraying women as vulnerable.
Uses chronic illness merely as a plot device without exploring disability.

Official Synopsis

After dying from a strange illness that she suffered for three years, a mother returns home to pick up her children.

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