The Womb

The Womb, also known as Inang, is a new Indonesian horror movie that was released in late 2022 in theaters and has now made its way to Netflix for global audiences. Directed by Fajar Nugros and written by Deo Mahameru, the movie stars Naysila Mirdad, Dimas Anggara, Rukman Rosadi, and Lydia Kandou alongside other talented actors.

The story follows Wulan, a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. She turns to her boss and her only friend for help, but when they push her aside, she resorts to joining a Facebook group for single mothers to find support. Ultimately, she decides to give her baby up for adoption to a senior but loving couple. However, little does she know that they have a dark secret of their own that will soon be revealed, leading to a terrifying series of events.

The movie delves into the social problems that plague Indonesian society, such as exploitative bosses and meager resources, and it does so with a slow-paced medium that sets the tone for the horrors that lie ahead. While the overarching plot centers around the struggles of a single mother, the movie's haunting tonality is almost comical in its representation, making it appealing even to those who are not fans of horror films.

The concept of the movie is two-fold, as two mothers are tormented by the same terminal threat to their children. In Wulan's case, the menacing hazard is more direct and urgent, while for Eva, it's linked to a mythical distance. The movie questions the dual nature of evils present at hand – one that takes the form of sinful human beings, and the other that is tied to supernatural events.

The film is explicit in showcasing gore and blood, which may be unappealing to some viewers. However, it is balanced by its critiques of parental sensibilities and probing into the symbolism of sacrificial lambs, ultimately leading to the realization that the ones doing the deed are also sacrificing a part of their souls.

Despite not being heavy on stock scary visuals or jump scares, the movie does keep audiences entertained with its unconventional charm, leaving viewers laughing at several junctures of the film's duration. The traditional concept of the Wekasan Wednesday curse prevalent in many Indonesian communities is also tied up with the movie's blood-curdling imagination, leaving it open-ended and open to interpretation.

The general occultist aura of the storyline is not unique, but it doesn't bore viewers out by balancing various themes on a see-saw. However, keeping up with the slow-going attitude of the first half may be a bit of a task. Lydia Kandou, playing the role of Eva, is also the real-life mother of Naysila Mirdad, who plays the character of Wulan, adding an interesting dynamic to the on-screen chemistry between the two actresses.

In conclusion, The Womb or Inang is a horror movie that is worth watching for those who are fans of the genre, as well as those who are not. Its slow-paced medium sets the tone for the horrors to come, and its unconventional charm keeps audiences entertained throughout the movie's duration. It is an engaging and thought-provoking movie that is worth a watch for anyone interested in horror films or Indonesian cinema. While its focus on parental sensibilities and symbolism may not be unique, the movie balances various themes and leaves viewers with an open-ended interpretation of the Wekasan Wednesday curse.Despite its gory and violent nature, the movie manages to be both entertaining and meaningful, making it a unique addition to the horror movie genre.