When the devil whispers: the unholy allure of ‘Malam Terlarang’

‘Malam Terlarang’ follows the story of a family struck by tragedy when the eldest daughter Safar, played by newcomer Aila Azizul (right), dies tragically. (Astro Shaw pic)

It’s not often that horror films get it right. For such stories to truly terrify, they need the perfect mix of dread, suspense, fear, mystery, danger, and characters who feel real.

But some filmmakers take it a step further by adding a layer that doesn’t just scare you – it unsettles you, creeps under your skin, and lingers long after the credits roll.

Astro Shaw’s “Malam Terlarang” is a standout in Malaysian folk horror, blending ancient rituals, unholy desires, and demonic forces to blur the line between fiction and fear.

Directed by Nurhanisham Muhammad, the 110-minute film relies less on jump scares (though there are a few well-placed ones) and more on haunting gamelan tunes, eerie coastal rituals (puja pantai), the otherworldly cadence of Javanese, and a cautionary tale deeply rooted in Nusantara folklore.

Right off the bat, “Malam Terlarang” – starring Zul Ariffin, Sofia Jane, Shasha Abedul, and newcomer Aila Azizul – works because it avoids the disappointing plotlines, overused tropes, and cheap-looking demons that have plagued many local horror films (with the exception of 2020’s “Roh”, another local folk horror triumph).

Set in 1987, “Malam Terlarang” also carries a depth rarely seen in Malaysian cinema. It tells the story of a family fractured by tragedy, consumed by political ambition, and entangled in the forbidden supernatural realm.

The scriptwriters masterfully weave these elements into a terrifying tapestry, holding them in such tension that you can’t help but be pulled into the film’s unrelenting dread.

Shasha Abedul as Mawar (centre) and Zul Ariffin as her father Omar, helm the film with their nuanced acting. (Astro Shaw pic)

Audiences follow Mawar (Shasha), a young woman who dreams of becoming a journalist but finds herself drawn into her family’s dark secrets after her sister’s (Aila) mysterious death.

As Mawar digs deeper, she is haunted by her sister’s ghastly apparition and uncovers horrifying truths about her family’s past.

Without giving too much away, “Malam Terlarang” avoids the moralistic route where wrongs are righted and everyone lives happily ever after.

Instead, it reminds audiences that there are grave consequences to one’s actions – especially when one dabbles in the dark arts. When you make a pact with the devil, a hefty price must be paid. As one character chillingly warns, when the devil whispers, even darkness can sound sweet.

Visually, the film thrives on lingering, atmospheric shots and intense close-ups that amplify the unease.

Many of the climactic scenes were filmed in the mangrove forests and beaches of Kuala Selangor and Pantai Morib, where the meeting of land and sea becomes a spiritual battleground, while haunting Javanese music and discordant sounds hang over it all like a thick, chilling fog.

Another reason the film grips you is its stellar casting.

Stepping away from his usual charming leading-man roles, Zul Ariffin delivers a nuanced performance as a husband and father who will go to any length to protect his family. He embodies a grieving man torn between love and ambition, revealing a vulnerability rarely see from him.

The film sheds light on dark rituals that still beleaguer society today. (Astro Shaw pic)

But it’s breakout actor Shasha Abedul of “Kau vs Aku” fame who anchors the story. She becomes the film’s moral compass – a rebellious voice amid a web of ambition and deceit. Shasha brings emotional depth and nuance to a role that could easily have been one-dimensional in lesser hands.

Sofia Jane, ever elegant, brings a brooding presence to the screen, commanding attention with little dialogue.

Meanwhile, newcomer Aila deserves praise for her chilling portrayal of Safar, the tormented sister. Her physical transformation into a twisted, vengeful spirit is nothing short of haunting.

All in all, “Malam Terlarang” arrives just in time for the spooky season – and it will surely leave you unsettled, drawing you into the darkly familiar world of the Nusantara’s own Faustian tale.

The film might even make you wonder: how many affluent Malaysians have struck their own deal with the devil on a malam terlarang (forbidden night)? Now that’s the true horror.

As of press time, ‘Malam Terlarang’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.