Trauma Kuntilanak 2023: Indonesia’s Found Footage Horror You Shouldn't Miss

Trauma Kuntilanak 2023: Indonesia’s Found Footage Horror You Shouldn't Miss

🎥 What is Found Footage Horror?

If you’re a horror fan, you’ve probably heard of found footage films. It’s a subgenre where the entire movie is presented as if it was discovered footage from the characters themselves — shot using handheld cameras, phones, or security cams. Think The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, or Grave Encounters. This style makes everything feel disturbingly real and raw, as if you’re watching someone’s final moments or a cursed video you shouldn't be seeing.

Indonesia has started to embrace this genre too, and one of the most intriguing releases is Trauma Kuntilanak (2023).

👻 What is Trauma Kuntilanak About?

Released in 2023, Trauma Kuntilanak is a horror short film set in a mysterious housing complex. The story follows four college students working on a documentary for their final project. Local residents believe that if anyone tries to leave the area, supernatural beings — known simply as “Them” — will ensure you never make it out.

The film captures what happens when one of the students breaks this unwritten rule, triggering a terrifying sequence of events. The entire film is shot like a recovered documentary, making every moment feel eerily authentic.

🧩 What Makes Trauma Kuntilanak Stand Out?

  • 📍 Creepy, Claustrophobic Setting: Set entirely within a small, dimly lit housing complex, the tight locations make the tension unbearable. Narrow hallways, flickering streetlights, and strange neighbors create a suffocating atmosphere.
  • 🎥 Realistic Camera Style: The film uses handheld shots, shaky cam, odd angles, and long static takes — mimicking amateur recordings. It feels like one of those spooky ghost videos from early 2010s social media.
  • 😱 Genuine Scares Without Cheap Jump Cuts: Instead of overused jump scares, this film focuses on slow-burn horror. Strange noises, shadowy figures, and eerie silence stretch your nerves to the breaking point.
  • 📝 Fun Facts:
    • This is a mockumentary-style found footage horror, purposely made to look like an amateur documentary.
    • The runtime is just 37 minutes — perfect for a late-night scare session without dragging on.
    • The film gained cult attention on Letterboxd for its nostalgic editing and authentic scares.

🎬 Official Poster

Trauma Kuntilanak Poster

Source: Kompasiana.com

📺 Where Can You Watch Trauma Kuntilanak?

For horror fans in Indonesia, you can rent and stream Trauma Kuntilanak exclusively through Bioskop Online. Here’s the official link to watch it:

It’s available in HD, with a super affordable rental price of only IDR 10,000.

🧠 My Thoughts on the Film

I’ll be honest — when I first heard about Trauma Kuntilanak, I thought it would be another typical ghost story. But this film surprised me. The gritty camera work, eerie performances, and claustrophobic location made it far scarier than many big-budget horror flicks.

The fact that it’s a short film works in its favor. There’s no unnecessary filler — just a steady build-up of tension and dread. The scares are subtle but effective. It’s not about when the ghost appears, but about how the environment itself becomes the antagonist.

The nostalgic feel of old ghost hunting videos and amateur documentaries is spot-on. If you grew up watching creepy viral videos on early YouTube or social media, this film will definitely scratch that itch.

🎃 Final Thoughts

Trauma Kuntilanak (2023) is a must-watch for fans of found footage horror. It’s short, scary, and authentically creepy — a perfect late-night thrill. Even if you’re not usually a fan of Indonesian horror, this one’s worth checking out.