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Sijjin

Name: Sijjin
Director: Hadrah Daeng Ratu
Released: 2023
Duration: 100 min

Representation Score

1.3/10

Minimal

2023

Director

Hadrah Daeng Ratu

Runtime

100 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Sijjin is a localized supernatural horror that emphasizes the destructive consequences of individual obsession. The story relies heavily on traditional social hierarchies and religious frameworks to drive its tension and moral consequences. While the film provides a meaningful departure from Western-centric horror by centering an Indonesian perspective, it does not attempt to deconstruct social institutions. Instead, it operates within a conventional domestic and spiritual context. The narrative prioritizes interpersonal conflict and the mechanics of supernatural retribution over progressive social commentary or the representation of underrepresented identities.

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Category Breakdown

Does Sijjin have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on traditional heterosexual relationships and marital infidelity. It does not depict non-straight or non-cisgender identities and does not challenge traditional romantic structures.

How does Sijjin portray gender?

Limited

Irma drives the plot through her proactive but destructive use of black magic. However, the film reinforces the cliché of the obsessed woman and confines conflicts to the domestic sphere.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Sijjin?

Fair

As an Indonesian production, the film offers a non-Western perspective on horror. It uses local cultural aesthetics and spiritual frameworks, providing an alternative to Anglo-centric cinematic clichés.

How does Sijjin represent religion and culture?

Limited

The narrative is deeply rooted in Islamic mysticism and black magic. It uses religious elements as a plot mechanism without critiquing spiritual institutions or secularism.

Does Sijjin include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no evidence of characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities within the narrative or character descriptions.

Present on Screen

Offers a non-Western perspective on the horror genre through an Indonesian lens.
Uses specific local cultural aesthetics and spiritual frameworks.
Features a proactive female protagonist who drives the central plot.

Limited or Absent

Relies on traditional gendered clichés like the 'obsessed woman'.
Lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender narratives.
Does not include characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Irma falls in love with Galang, her cousin who already has a wife and children. Irma is very obsessed and wants to be the only woman in Galang's life. Irma comes to the shaman to send black magic to Galang's wife. Since then terror and mystical disturbances, possession and death have occurred in Galang's house. However, the threat also targeted Irma herself.

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