Indonesia’s legendary horror icon returns to the big screen with Suzzanna: Santet Dosa di Atas Dosa, a new film that aims to revive the legacy of the late horror queen Suzzanna for a new generation of audiences.
Produced by Soraya Intercine Films, the film was introduced to the media during a press conference and special screening at Plaza Senayan on March 14. The project blends classic horror elements with drama and touches of humor, offering a fresh take on one of the most iconic characters in Indonesian cinema.
Directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis and produced by Sunil Soraya, the film doesn’t simply rely on scares. Instead, it explores the human side of the character, diving deeper into the emotional struggles and conflicts that shape Suzzanna’s story.
According to Sunil Soraya, the team worked carefully to preserve the classic identity that audiences associate with Suzzanna while giving the character a modern cinematic treatment.“We wanted to take this character to the next level without losing her classic spirit,” Sunil said.
A Near-Death Experience During Filming
Behind the intense performance of Luna Maya lies a frightening story from the set. The actress revealed that she nearly drowned while filming one of the movie’s most challenging scenes.
The incident happened during a shoot in a river in Pangandaran, where her character was supposed to be swept away by a strong current. Believing the scene was manageable, Luna chose to perform it herself without a stunt double.
However, things quickly took a dangerous turn.
She was unexpectedly pulled into a whirlpool beneath a small waterfall. The heavy costume, wig, and prosthetic makeup she wore absorbed water and dragged her deeper underwater, making it extremely difficult to surface.“I didn’t realize the wig, the costume, and the prosthetics would make me heavier in the water. I kept getting pulled down. For a few seconds I thought, ‘This is it—I might die,’” Luna recalled.
Trapped underwater, she struggled to breathe—especially because the prosthetic makeup partially covered her nose. After several tense moments, she finally managed to find a rock beneath the water and push herself back to the surface.
Director Azhar Kinoi Lubis and her co-star Reza Rahadian, who witnessed the moment, were shocked and deeply concerned.
Despite the terrifying experience, Luna said the effort was worth it to deliver the best performance possible for the film.
A Different Kind of Suzzanna
In Suzzanna: Santet Dosa di Atas Dosa, Luna Maya portrays the legendary character in a way audiences haven’t seen before. Unlike previous films where Suzzanna often appears as a supernatural entity, this time the character is portrayed as a human throughout the story.
For Luna, this approach allowed her to explore the character more deeply.“I’m happier in this film because Suzzanna is portrayed fully as a human from beginning to end. It allowed me to dive deeper into the character,” she explained during the trailer launch at Epicentrum XXI.
To capture the essence of the original Suzzanna, Luna worked closely with a dialect coach and spent time studying the legendary actress’s distinct speaking style.
She paid close attention to Suzzanna’s unique intonation, pronunciation, and emphasis when delivering dialogue—traits that made the horror icon so memorable on screen.
Interestingly, Luna also revealed that this film may be her only movie project in 2026.“I’m really happy to be part of this movie. It might be my only film this year, so please don’t miss it,” she said with a smile.
Reza Rahadian Joins the Suzzanna Universe
The film also marks a special moment for Reza Rahadian, who joins the Suzzanna franchise for the first time. It also reunites him with Soraya Intercine Films after 14 years, following his acclaimed role in Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck.
Reza said he was drawn to the film not only because of its legacy but also because of the powerful themes in the story.“There’s an important issue at the heart of this film. When people are pushed to their limits, resistance is born. From that resistance, both positive and negative consequences can emerge,” he explained.
He added that the themes feel particularly relevant to the global situation today, making the story resonate beyond the horror genre.
Reza also had nothing but praise for his co-star.“Working with Luna Maya was wonderful. She’s incredibly professional. She always arrived the earliest for makeup and was ready before anyone else. I know how hard she worked for this film.”
Producer Sunil Soraya even admitted that Reza was the only actor he had in mind for the role.“Honestly, it had to be Reza. The character requires complex emotional shifts, and I believe he’s the perfect actor for it.”
A Big Horror Release for Lebaran 2026
Suzzanna: Santet Dosa di Atas Dosa is scheduled to hit theaters on March 18, 2026, coinciding with the Lebaran holiday season—one of the busiest moviegoing periods in Indonesia.
According to Sunil Soraya, the film was designed as a large-scale cinematic experience for audiences to enjoy with family during the festive holiday.
The film also features a diverse supporting cast, including Djenar Maesa Ayu, Clift Sangra, Restu Triandy, Iwa K, Yatti Surachman, Adi Bing Slamet, Aziz Gagap, and Ence Bagus.
Written by Jujur Prananto alongside Sunil Soraya and Ferry Lesmana, the film promises a gripping story, strong performances, and a production scale worthy of reviving one of Indonesia’s most legendary horror characters.
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