Pirunduk Review: Banjar Folklore and Drama Outweigh Scares

This Pirunduk review starts with what makes the film stand out: a horror story rooted in South Kalimantan rather than the usual Javanese settings. Billy Christian directs a 96-minute tale of a wronged wife, black magic and unpaid debts. It leans on drama as much as fear.

Pirunduk Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Pirunduk plot is set in the 1980s in a remote village on the Tanah Banjar river. Siti (Aulia Sarah) is a sharp young woman who is married off to pay her father's debts. Her husband, Badarudin, is a wealthy trader and moneylender, and the marriage quickly turns harsh.

Cornered and desperate, Siti looks for a way out through the Banjar black-magic practice that gives the film its title. The official overview hints that she becomes a wandering spirit who collects debts left unpaid in life. That is as far as this review goes, because the film is better when you discover its turns yourself.

The film was written by Budi Ismanto and Tubagus Deddy. It is an Indonesian-language horror release, and its Pirunduk release date is 22 October 2026.

What Works in Pirunduk

The strongest asset is its sense of place. One Indonesian critic noted that the Banjar language is used consistently throughout, not as decoration, and it suits the riverside setting well. That detail gives the film a texture many regional horror films lack.

The themes also give the scares weight. Reviews point to domestic violence, social pressure on women and the danger of mystical shortcuts as the film's core concerns. Siti's choices feel like the product of a trap, not a horror-movie convenience.

It also avoids being a simple jumpscare parade. One Letterboxd viewer praised exactly that, and the film's melodrama gives the story a slower, sadder rhythm. If you like your horror grounded in character, this is a point in its favour.

• Authentic Banjar language and South Kalimantan setting

• A revenge story built on a clear injustice

• Social themes that add substance to the supernatural

Pirunduk Cast and Performances

The Pirunduk cast is led by Aulia Sarah as Siti, who carries the film's emotional load. Bucek plays Badarudin, the husband whose power over her drives the story. The supporting group includes Yoriko Angeline as Ratih, Alam Jaya as Ramlan, Rina DD Basrindu (Acil Imas) as Mak Ijah and Boy Idrus as Rojak.

The film's drama-first approach gives the leads room to build tension between Siti and her husband before anything supernatural arrives. Because the setup relies on that conflict, the performances matter more than any single scare.

Where Pirunduk Stumbles

The main complaint is structure. A Letterboxd reviewer felt the film splits in two: a long first half of drama, then a shift into horror. If you come for scares from the first reel, the wait may test you.

Another viewer said the horror side slips into familiar local genre territory at times. That is a fair warning for anyone who has seen a lot of Indonesian horror. The film's cultural specifics help, but some beats may still feel predictable.

Finally, a Pundit Film review argued the story is cut off just as it becomes gripping, so the film ends at a point of high tension. At 96 minutes, it may leave some viewers wanting more payoff. Critic coverage is still thin, with no aggregate scores yet.

Is Pirunduk Worth Watching?

Yes, if you want a melodrama-flavoured folk horror with a strong regional identity, though it is not a non-stop fright machine. The setting, language and themes make it more distinctive than many recent genre releases.

Expect a patient film that puts Siti's suffering first. If that sounds appealing, it should reward you. If you want constant jumpscares, you may find the first half slow.

For more in the genre, browse our Horror movie reviews. You can also compare it with Petaka Gunung Welirang Review: Folklore Mood, Few Real Frights, another recent Indonesian folklore horror. For background on the film, see the Pirunduk listing on Letterboxd.

Who Will Enjoy Pirunduk

• Fans of Indonesian folk horror who want something beyond Java

• Viewers who like revenge stories with a social conscience

• Audiences who prefer slow-building drama to constant jumpscares