Indonesian Filmmaker Adriyanto Dewo's "Evil Underground" Explores Grief Through Horror

Indonesian filmmaker Adriyanto Dewo has unveiled his latest psychological horror project, "Evil Underground," selected for the JAFF Future Project at the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival (JAFF) Market in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The film, produced by Perlita Desiani and Tina Arwin through Relate Films, follows estranged sisters Dian and Mirna, who become trapped in a mall basement after a midnight horror screening. The narrative delves into themes of grief, anxiety, and the complexities of sibling relationships, as the sisters confront their buried secrets in a psychologically twisted environment.

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Dewo's inspiration for "Evil Underground" stems from personal experiences and observations. He recounts a moment when he and his partner were briefly stuck in a mall parking lot, which heightened his partner's claustrophobia. This experience, coupled with witnessing two sisters process their father's death in contrasting ways, led Dewo to explore how individuals cope with grief differently. He emphasizes the film's aim to reflect contemporary youth anxiety, stating, "We’re living in a time where young people face more pressure, anxiety, and loss than ever."

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The producers of "Evil Underground" express their commitment to framing urgent social issues within an elevated horror concept. They believe the film captures the emotional climate of today's youth, addressing silent pressures and fractured relationships through a genre lens. Their goal at the JAFF Market is to establish strategic partnerships that can elevate the project from a local endeavor to a globally recognized film. They seek to connect with co-producers, distributors, and international sales agents who share their vision for genre films that address social depth.

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In addition to "Evil Underground," Dewo is set to write and direct a remake of the 1988 Indonesian horror cult classic "Lukisan Berlumur Darah" for Mandela Pictures and Relate Films, with production slated to begin in the second quarter of 2026. The JAFF Future Project, running from November 29 to December 1, serves as a development platform and co-production hub aimed at advancing independent works toward completion and distribution.

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Dewo articulates the film's thematic depth, stating, "That mix of personal memory, real-life observation, and the desire to explore grief through genre storytelling is what inspired ‘Evil Underground.'" The producers add that the project channels the growing intensity of urban life through a fresh horror approach, aiming to maximize both its creative and commercial impact.

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• “Years ago, my partner and I were briefly stuck in the basement level of a mall parking lot. She has claustrophobia, and I watched her fear escalate in a very real, visceral way,” — Adriyanto Dewo, Director

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• “ The producers added, “As producers, we were drawn to ‘Evil Underground’ because it frames urgent social issues within a compelling, elevated horror concept.” — Producers of "Evil Underground."

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• “We would like to take this event as an opportunity to start a breakthrough of Indonesia’s new flavor of horror,” — Producers of "Evil Underground."

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"Evil Underground" represents a significant step in Indonesian cinema, merging personal narratives with genre storytelling to address pressing social issues. As the project seeks to expand its reach at the JAFF Market, it aims to resonate with both local and international audiences, highlighting the potential of horror as a medium for exploring complex emotional landscapes.

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