[FrightFest 2026]: Ghost In The Cell

Proving that once again, Indonesia is setting the stage for incredible genre releases is Joko Anwar’s Ghost In The Cell. The comedy-horror sets itself in a high-security prison where inmates are being viciously murdered and their bodies put on display in bizarre manners.

In one of Jakarta’s most violent prisons, separate inmate factions are continuously at war, with shankings between inhabitants a regular occurrence, as well as the prison being overseen by a sadistic head-guard. As a new criminal is housed, a supernatural phenomena begins to hunt down inmates who display intense feelings of anger and rage, and hangs them up in an almost artistic manner, sending the whole prison into a panic. In order to avoid the curse, individuals attempt to find their inner peace through religion, dance, as well as calling truces between battling gangs. 

Horror audiences may already be well aware of Anwar’s proficiency in the genre, with his films Satan’s Slaves 1&2 (2017, 2022) and Impetigore (2019) receiving international critical success, and with Ghost In The Cell, the director truly shows off his skill as he blends his brand of horror with comedy, and even dance and martial arts. This combination creates a film that is bound to appeal to a wide audience, with its slapstick comedic timing, prison-style fight sequences, and some shocking gore set pieces. 

Behind the carefully interweaving of genre work in the film, is a story that speaks of corruption within the correctional prison system, the colonisation and exploitation of resources, and how reformation amongst offenders can be possible. With a stellar ensemble cast, Ghost In The Cell is a visually striking violent comedy horror with plenty of heart and laughs behind it. 

5 Screams out of 5