Following the success of Kuntilanak 3 (2022), the fourth entry in the Indonesian horror saga dives even deeper into the mythos of the kuntilanak—a vengeful female spirit rooted in Southeast Asian folklore. In Kuntilanak 4: The Forbidden Mirror, director Rizal Mantovani returns to the helm with a bolder, more mature continuation that blends supernatural horror with coming-of-age drama.
The film picks up two years after the events of part three. Dinda, now a teenager entering her final year of school, is struggling with her growing powers and the dark legacy left behind by her mysterious origins. Haunted by recurring dreams and visions of a cracked mirror buried deep in a forest temple, Dinda feels drawn toward a new mystery—one that may contain the truth about her real mother and the true source of the kuntilanak curse.
When Dinda and her foster brothers sneak away on a school trip to Central Java, they stumble upon a forgotten village said to be cursed by mirrors that trap souls. There, they accidentally unleash an ancient spirit—one far older and more dangerous than the kuntilanak they once faced.
What sets Kuntilanak 4 apart is its willingness to grow with its audience. The tone is darker, the stakes more personal. Gone is the childish humor from earlier films; in its place is psychological tension, shadowy folklore, and a stronger emotional core. The film explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the thin boundary between protecting others and becoming the thing you fear.
The performances are stronger than ever. Nicole Rossi, returning as Dinda, delivers a more layered performance, balancing fear, courage, and inner turmoil. The cinematography is visually striking—echoing traditional Indonesian motifs with eerie lighting and clever mirror symbolism. The horror sequences are inventive, particularly one scene where reflections behave independently from reality, creating a surreal and terrifying effect.
While some plot elements feel familiar, Kuntilanak 4 successfully evolves the franchise from child-friendly horror into a true supernatural thriller. It doesn’t just rely on jump scares but builds dread through atmosphere and storytelling.
