Many of you may be familiar with the Indonesian TV series "Jadi Pocong," right? Well, the show that gained popularity in the early 2000s introduced the legendary ghost character Pocong Mumun. Now, We're being treated to a big-screen adaptation of this iconic TV series created by H. Mandra.
Synopsis
"Mumun" follows the story of Mumun (Acha Septriasa), who becomes the target of debt collectors due to the actions of her twin sister, Mimin (also played by Acha Septriasa). Tragically, this leads to Mumun's gruesome demise. However, during the burial process, Husen (H. Mandra) forgets to untie the shroud of Mumun, resulting in her becoming a wandering ghost, or a "pocong."
A Familiar Tale with a Twist
The origin story of Mumun's transformation into a pocong takes a slightly different turn from the TV series "Jadi Pocong." However, the big-screen adaptation still retains a distinctly soap opera-like or TV movie feel. The conflict is rather straightforward and lacks the element of surprise often found in more intricate narratives.
Nostalgia and Shortcomings
The film exudes a strong TV series vibe not only in its narrative but also in its production quality. Everything from cinematography and dialogues to scene transitions and actor positioning feels reminiscent of watching a TV series. While this may serve as a nostalgic element for those who have fond memories of "Jadi Pocong," it also hampers the film's potential to become a more polished horror franchise centered around the pocong theme.
A Blend of Horror and Comedy
The film successfully taps into the horror genre by reintroducing the menacing presence of Pocong Mumun, which left a lasting impression on viewers during the early 2000s. The eerie terror that Mumun's character embodies is effectively resurrected in the big-screen adaptation, making audiences anxious despite the familiarity.
Jump Scares and a Mixed Comedy
"Mumun" relies heavily on jump scares to evoke fear in the audience. Unfortunately, the repetitive use of this technique diminishes its impact, and viewers may anticipate when these moments will occur. Despite this, the presence of Pocong Mumun still manages to evoke a sense of dread similar to when audiences first encountered her character on TV.
In addition to horror, the film incorporates comedic elements similar to its TV counterpart. However, the comedy feels somewhat lackluster and even cringe-worthy in some instances. The comedic antics of the debt collector group led by Jefri start off amusing but eventually come across as forced and awkward.
Mandra's Saving Grace
H. Mandra's reprisal of his role as Husen, the gravedigger, injects some much-needed humor into the film. Mandra's trademark witty remarks never fail to elicit laughter from the audience. However, aside from his comedic moments, the film's comedy falls flat.
Conclusion
"Mumun" is a mixed bag of nostalgia, horror, and comedy. While it successfully rekindles memories of the iconic "Jadi Pocong" TV series and introduces a new twist to Mumun's story, its execution falters at times. The film's reliance on jump scares and uneven comedic elements hinder its potential to truly shine. Nonetheless, for those who cherished the TV series, "Mumun" offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane, albeit with a few bumps along the way.
Mumun (2023) - info
- Release date:2023
- Genre: Horror, Comedy
- Director: Rizal Mantovani
- Writers: Dirmawan Hatta, Mandra
- Stars: Acha Septriasa, Dimas Aditya, Mandra