A deliberately worn-down look helps the actress disappear into the mysterious character of Riska in Viu’s latest psychological horror series.

JAKARTA — Caitlin Halderman is almost impossible to recognize in The Hidden Hand (Dia Perempuan Sialan).

For her role as Riska, an Indonesian domestic worker employed by a prominent Malaysian family, the actress undergoes a striking transformation. Her complexion is made deliberately dull and uneven, her makeup is kept to a minimum, and her overall appearance is far removed from the glamorous image audiences may be familiar with.

The transformation was so convincing that even people close to Caitlin initially failed to recognize her.

“Some people actually said, ‘Oh my God, I didn’t even recognize you.’ They didn’t realize it was me because the difference was so drastic,” Caitlin said during a media screening of The Hidden Hand (Dia Perempuan Sialan) in Jakarta on September 18, 2026.

“I was made to look really worn-down and uneven. That also helped me get into the character.”

For Caitlin, disappearing behind Riska’s appearance was more than simply a physical transformation. It became an important part of finding the character and leaving her own familiar image behind.

Leaving Caitlin Behind

Riska is introduced as a quiet and seemingly obedient woman who works inside the home of Puan Sri Asyikin, played by Malaysian actress Datin Sri Umie Aida.

Her understated appearance reflects the character’s everyday life, but there is much more to Riska than what initially meets the eye.

Caitlin said she deliberately wanted the character to look as different from herself as possible.

“Visually, this really isn’t the Caitlin people usually see. This time, I wanted to make sure I didn’t look like Caitlin at all. I think they succeeded,” she said.

The reaction from her own friends became proof that the transformation had worked.

“Even my friends who saw the promotional material before it was posted immediately reacted, ‘Who is that?’ That was actually one of my goals for this project.”

More Than Just a Horror Performance

While the physical transformation helped Caitlin step into Riska’s world, the role demanded much more than simply looking frightened on screen.

Unlike some of her previous horror projects, The Hidden Hand (Dia Perempuan Sialan) places a stronger emphasis on drama and emotional complexity. Riska carries her own history, guilt, sadness, and fear—emotions that gradually become intertwined with the supernatural events unfolding around her.

“The emotional layers are much deeper because my character has her own backstory,” Caitlin explained. “The fear is still there, but at the same time there is sadness and guilt. So there are many layers of emotion in this series.”

To better understand Riska’s life, Caitlin researched stories involving Indonesian migrant workers. Her preparation included watching films, listening to podcasts, following news reports, and talking with members of the production team in Malaysia.

“I also spoke with Kak Ain and the Viu Malaysia team to understand what life is like for domestic workers in Malaysia, because I think there are some differences. That’s where I did most of my character research.”

Her First Production Outside Indonesia

The series also marks Caitlin’s first experience filming a production outside Indonesia.

She spent approximately a month and a half in Malaysia, covering both the pre-production period and the filming process.

The experience gave her an opportunity not only to explore a new character, but also to work within a different production environment and collaborate with a Malaysian creative team.

That cross-border experience became another part of the process of bringing Riska to life.

What Is Riska Hiding?

Behind Riska’s quiet demeanor lies one of the series’ biggest questions.

According to Fery Lesmana, Head of Creative at Viu Indonesia, audiences will not immediately know where Riska stands as the mystery surrounding Puan Sri Asyikin’s family begins to unfold.

“We don’t know what secret Riska is carrying. Is she going to become a victim? Is she going to be the one who helps? Or could she actually become a victim because of another character?” Fery said.

That uncertainty is central to Riska’s role in the story.

As the secrets inside the house begin to surface and tensions between its residents intensify, audiences are left wondering whether Riska is simply another person caught in the unfolding horror—or whether she knows something that everyone else doesn’t.

“Riska’s secret, from my perspective as a viewer, is what keeps me waiting to see what happens next,” Fery added.

A House Full of Secrets

The Hidden Hand (Dia Perempuan Sialan) begins with the mysterious death of Puan Sri Asyikin’s husband.

Before the family has time to recover from the loss, strange disturbances begin to haunt their home. Suspicion quickly spreads among the people living under the same roof, while buried secrets and unresolved conflicts from the past begin to resurface.

As trust breaks down, no one seems entirely certain who can be believed.

And in the middle of it all is Riska.

Is she simply trapped inside the family’s nightmare, or does she hold a key to the mystery?

Caitlin hints that audiences will have to wait until the middle and later episodes for some of the biggest revelations.

“The big moments are there, and that’s when various parts of the plot begin to open up,” she said. “I can’t say anything more specific because it would be a spoiler.”

A New Psychological Horror Mystery on Viu

Starring Caitlin Halderman, Datin Sri Umie Aida, Meerqeen, Hannah Delisha, and Amerul Affendi, The Hidden Hand (Dia Perempuan Sialan) is a 12-episode psychological horror series that combines supernatural suspense with family drama, secrets, and emotional conflict.

At its center is a mysterious household where grief becomes intertwined with fear—and where every character may be hiding something.

For Caitlin, the journey begins with becoming someone audiences may not immediately recognize.

But as the story progresses, the bigger question may be whether audiences can recognize who Riska really is beneath the quiet exterior.

The Hidden Hand (Dia Perempuan Sialan) is available exclusively on Viu starting September 18, 2026.