The Devil's Bride

The Devil’s Bride

The Devil’s Bride (original title Pengantin Setan) is a chilling Indonesian supernatural horror film released in 2025, directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis. The film stars Erika Carlina and Emir Mahira as Echa and Ariel, a newlywed couple whose life is turned upside down by a series of disturbing supernatural events. What begins as a joyful marriage quickly devolves into a terrifying descent into madness and spiritual possession, rooted in the folklore of Indonesia’s shadowy mythos.

Echa begins experiencing nightmares involving a mysterious man who seems to invade not only her dreams but her waking life. These visions gradually intensify, and the man is revealed to be Jin Dasim—a malevolent spirit from Javanese mythology believed to disrupt newlyweds and sow destruction in marriages. As Echa becomes increasingly entwined with the spirit, her personality shifts, and her bond with Ariel deteriorates. Their once-loving relationship collapses under the weight of fear, mistrust, and escalating paranormal phenomena.

The film masterfully weaves together psychological horror with traditional ghost story elements. As Ariel tries to understand what is happening to his wife and protect her, the couple’s reality begins to blur with the supernatural. The tension is heightened by eerie sound design, shadowy cinematography, and unsettling exorcism scenes that blur the line between mental breakdown and spiritual warfare.

What sets The Devil’s Bride apart is its cultural authenticity. Drawing heavily from local legends, the film introduces international audiences to the lesser-known but deeply feared Jin Dasim. In Javanese belief, Jin Dasim is a spirit that specifically targets marriages, believed to feed off emotional distress and conflict between couples. The entity’s presence is invoked not just as a plot device but as a symbol of deeper societal anxieties around commitment, domestic roles, and vulnerability within intimate relationships.

The horror in the film is not just external—it is deeply psychological. Echa’s descent is gradual and emotionally grounded, and Erika Carlina’s performance brings a powerful vulnerability to her role. Emir Mahira, as the desperate and disbelieving husband, captures the helplessness of watching a loved one slip away under forces he cannot fight. Their chemistry anchors the film, making the horror all the more resonant.

Critics have praised the film for its moody atmosphere, culturally rooted horror, and emotionally charged performances. It doesn’t rely solely on jump scares but instead builds dread through suggestion, symbolism, and escalating emotional tension. The restrained pacing allows the psychological elements to flourish, giving audiences time to absorb the eerie nuances of the haunting.

With a runtime of just under 90 minutes, The Devil’s Bride is a compact yet emotionally rich horror experience. It is both a ghost story and a tragedy—a tale of love, loss, and the spiritual dangers that lurk within unspoken fears. For fans of Southeast Asian horror and folklore-based storytelling, this film delivers a chilling and immersive experience that lingers well beyond the credits.