The national film industry presents another hiking-themed horror treat through the movie 'Petaka Gunung Welirang'. Directed by Indra Gunawan and produced by StarVision Plus, this work began greeting moviegoers in cinemas on July 2, 2026. The film takes an iconic setting on Mount Welirang, specifically in the Alas Lali Jiwo area, long known for holding a treasure trove of folklore and mystical experiences of hikers.
The film's synopsis follows the journey of five friends intending to celebrate their graduation by hiking a mountain. Their intention to enjoy the sunrise and unwind turns into a nightmare when they get lost after hearing the sound of a mysterious gamelan. This event brings them face-to-face with the figure of Queen Welirang and her mystical army, forming the core conflict of the 105-minute film.
On the production side, cinematographer Ujel Bausad successfully captures the beautiful yet haunting atmosphere of Mount Welirang through a clever play of fog and lighting. The inclusion of background music with traditional gamelan nuances adds a new dimension to building tension. Nevertheless, some critics feel the movie leans more toward a drama about friendship than pure horror, with a plot that feels familiar to fans of similar genres.
The peak of tension in the film lies in the visualization of an ancient royal army emerging in the midst of the Alas Lali Jiwo fog. The scene is supported by an effective sound design that triggers a sense of horror in the audience. Beyond delivering horror elements, the film also slips in a moral message about the importance of maintaining etiquette and respecting local myths when in the wild, making it more than just simple entertainment.
Starring a lineup of young actors such as Antonio Blanco Jr., Alika Jantinia, and Giulio Parengkuan, the film offers a solid cinematic experience. Although the script is judged not to offer entirely new innovations, 'Petaka Gunung Welirang' remains an attractive choice for fans of Javanese folklore who want to experience the sensation of a mystical adventure on the big screen.
