The Forbidden Door is a 2009 Indonesian supernatural horror film about a young sculptor who begins to receive messages from a dead boy.
Written and directed by Joko Anwar (Gundala; Impetigore; Satan’s Slaves; Ritual) based on Sekar Ayu Asmara’s novel Pintu Terlarang, the movie stars Fachri Albar, Marsha Timothy, Ario Bayu and Otto Djauhari.
Plot:
The life of a successful sculptor is turned upside down when he begins receiving mysterious messages from someone who asks for his help…
Reviews [may contain spoilers]:
” …you see a bit of David Lynch in the surrealism, the horror of reproductive sex {…] Anwar seems to know that the most effective ghosts are really guilt-drenched memories, the most frightening curses of all self-imposed. Excellent film, one of the best I’ve seen from this lot, and one of the best in Asian horror I’ve seen all year…” Critic After Dark
“The Forbidden Door is a movie that truly deserves multiple viewings to be better appreciated and understood. It is far from being perfect (some plot points drag a bit too long and the editing has a few problems as well) but I, for one, can’t wait to see what’s next for Joko Anwar.” Daily Dose of Horror
“Overall a very enjoyable flick with plenty of really twisted ideas and shots in it.” The Film Reel
“Joko Anwar accessorizes his creepy suspense-horror with a dazzling array of auteur-homage, Freudian psychobabble, swanky art direction and a mellow ’50s jazz score. So despite the Byzantine plot and child abuse scenes that border on exploitive, film buffs and genre fans will be irresistibly seduced by the style rather than the questionable substance.” The Hollywood Reporter
“It’s been a long time since a film has come along that’s been so playfully weird and yet so skillfully constructed. For fans of David Lynch and even Alejandro Jodorowsky (comparisons cannot help but be made) this is one for you, a twisted and gleefully bizarre tail. It’s a mystery full of unexpected turns that confound expectations and keep one glued to the screen for the full two-hour running time.” Quiet Earth
“Incorporating elements of the Hostel series, film noir and psychological horror this begs to be seen on the big screen where the arterial spray can underline the Shakespearean sensibilities. Part tragedy, part drama, and hard to watch this is dangerous filmmaking made all the more dangerous by the line it walks between exploitation and truth-telling.” Screen Anarchy
Blu-ray release:
In the US, Severin Films released The Forbidden Door on Blu-ray on March 29 and on DVD on April 26, 2022, with the following special features:
Audio Commentary With Director Joko Anwar
In Indonesian with English Subtitles
Opening The Door — Interview With Joko Anwar
Deleted & Extended Scenes With Optional Commentary By Joko Anwar
Behind The Scenes Featurette
Herosase Footage
Poster & Still Gallery
Trailers
Watch Severin Films’ splattery red band trailer on YouTube
Cast and characters:
Fachry Albar … Gambir
Marsha Timothy … Talyda
Ario Bayu … Dandung
Tio Pakusadewo … Koh Jimmy (as Tio Pakusodewo)
Verdi Solaiman … John Wongso
Henidar Amroe … Menik Sasongko
Putri Sukardi … Ibu
Ade Firza Paloh … Bapak
Atiqah Hasiholan … Claudia
Rio Dewanto … Man at Church
Otto Djauhari … Rio
Arswendi Nasution … Abortion Clinic Guy
James Awuy … Mysterious little boy
Jesse Awuy … Mysterious little boy
Kartika Jahja … Ibu Mona
Original title:
Pintu Terlarang
Trailer:
