Sumala

Full Synopsis Of The Film Sumala

Sumala Film is an Indonesian horror thriller film directed by Rizal Mantovani and produced by Hitmaker Studios. Released on September 26, 2024 in Indonesian cinemas and then available on Netflix from February 6, 2025, the film is based on a true story that became an urban legend in Semarang regency, Central Java, in 1948. The story was first popularized through a viral thread on X by the account @BangBetz_illustration, which tells the mystical events surrounding a couple and their twins. Starring Luna Maya as Sulastri, Darius Sinathrya as Soedjiman, and Makayla Rose Hilli as Sumala and Kumala, the 113-minute film presents gripping terror with strong psychological and cultural elements of Java. Here is the full synopsis Based on the information available.

Background and beginning of the story

Set in a remote village in Semarang Regency in 1948, the film tells The Story of Soedjiman (Darius Sinathrya) and Sulastri (Luna Maya), a wealthy couple who own a large corn field. After eleven years of childless marriage, they faced severe social and personal pressures. Soedjiman, increasingly frustrated, threatened to end the marriage if Sulastri did not get pregnant soon. In desperation, Sulastri secretly seeks a way out through mystical means. She came to a sorcerer and made a forbidden pact with the devil, offering something very valuable for the sake of procreation, without her husband's knowledge.

Sulastri underwent a series of rituals, including drinking special offerings, which eventually bore fruit. She became pregnant and gave birth to twin girls. However, this birth was far from the expected happiness. The first child, Sumala, was born with a monstrous form—huge eyes, pale bluish skin and terrifying physical defects-which was considered the offspring of the devil. Seeing Sumala's appearance, Soedjiman, shocked and embarrassed, viciously kills the baby soon after birth, violating the terms of the mystical agreement. The second child, Kumala, was born a man with a perfect physique, but over time, he began to show physical and mental defects, such as limping legs, deformed hands and a hunched body.

Kumala's life and the beginning of terror

Kumala grew up in an environment of rejection. His family, especially Soedjiman, were embarrassed by his condition and forbade him to leave the House. The villagers also treated him cruelly, mocked and considered him a jinxer. Kumala is often the target of ridicule from the village children, who make her live in misery and isolation. Even so, Kumala has a kind heart, but her condition makes her vulnerable and down.

The horror began when Kumala was a teenager. On her eighth birthday, something unexpected happens: Sumala, her dead twin sister, returns from the world of the dead. Sumala, who is now a supernatural figure with a sinister form, appears to Kumala. This encounter changes Kumala's behavior drastically. He begins to behave strangely, sometimes talking to himself or laughing without cause, especially at night. The villagers began to witness mysterious events, such as the shadow of a small child around an old well or the unnatural sound of crying.

Sumala terror and chaos in the village

Over time, the terror in the village intensified. Children began to mysteriously disappear, and some were found dead in tragic conditions. The villagers, filled with fear, begin to suspect Kumala as the cause, although in fact Sumala, who possesses or controls Kumala, is the mastermind behind this chaos. Sumala takes revenge on anyone who has hurt her twin sister, including the villagers and even Kumala's own family. One by one, those who once taunted or tortured Kumala face brutal deaths, often with sadistic and bloody scenes that reinforce the film's gore-horror feel.

The name "Sumala, “which in Javanese means” source of calamity," became a feared scourge. The villagers believe that just saying his name or thinking of him can summon the presence ofSumala (Makayla Rose Hilli) is a twin, one of whom is human, named Kumala, and the other, Sumala, is a demonic offspring with a terrifying and deformed appearance. Soedjiman, horrified, kills Sumala, breaking the pact with the demon. Kumala grows up disabled, treated cruelly by family and villagers, believed to bring bad luck. As she suffers, Sumala rises from the grave, appearing to Kumala, who begins acting strangely, disturbing the family and villagers. It’s revealed Sumala controls Kumala, haunting and terrorizing the village. The villagers, terrified, blame Soedjiman for the chaos, but only Sulastri knows why Sumala seeks revenge. One by one, those who hurt Kumala die brutally, including her parents, as Sumala’s vengeance escalates, making her a symbol of the village’s curse.

The villagers, desperate to stop the terror, attempt rituals and prayers, but these efforts fail, making the situation worse. Soedjiman faces blame for the chaos, while Sulastri, aware of the pact she made, hides the truth, torn by guilt and fear. The film builds to a chilling climax as Sumala’s wrath becomes unstoppable, targeting anyone linked to Kumala’s suffering. The village descends into chaos, with mysterious disappearances and gruesome deaths fueling the legend of Sumala as a vengeful spirit tied to the broken pact.

Peak of conflict and cover

As the body count rises, the villagers, driven by fear and anger, confront Sulastri and Soedjiman’s household, believing Kumala is the source of the evil. Some try to perform a final ritual to banish Sumala, but her power, rooted in the broken demonic pact, proves too strong. The film explores Sulastri’s internal struggle—she knows Sumala’s rage stems from her deal with the demon and the family’s rejection of her. Kumala, caught between her own pain and Sumala’s control, becomes a tragic figure, her suffering amplified by the supernatural bond with her twin.

In the climax, the village faces a reckoning. Those who tormented Kumala meet gruesome fates, and the line between Sumala and Kumala blurs, leaving viewers questioning who truly drives the horrors. The resolution (avoiding spoilers) ties back to the consequences of the pact, delivering a haunting commentary on desperation, betrayal, and the cost of defying supernatural forces. The film ends on a chilling note, cementing Sumala as a terrifying urban legend that lingers in Semarang’s folklore, with some villagers still believing her presence haunts the area.

Important elements and nuances of the Film

Sumala blends visceral horror with psychological depth, using Javanese mysticism to amplify its atmosphere. The film’s gore-heavy scenes, especially Sumala’s brutal killings, appeal to fans of intense horror, while the tragic dynamic between Kumala and Sumala adds emotional weight. Luna Maya’s portrayal of Sulastri captures a mother’s desperation and guilt, while Darius Sinathrya embodies Soedjiman’s pride and rage. Makayla Rose Hilli shines as both twins, delivering a haunting performance that balances innocence and menace.

Shot in a misty, eerie village in Demak, the setting enhances the film’s oppressive vibe, with dim lighting and shadowy forests evoking dread. The sound design, from eerie whispers to jarring screams, heightens tension, while cultural elements like rituals and Javanese folklore ground the story in authenticity. The script, penned by Betz Illustration and Riheam Junianti, weaves the viral X thread into a cohesive narrative, though some note it prioritizes shocks over deeper character exploration.

Controversy and reception

Sumala drew massive attention, hitting 1.4 million theatergoers in 2024 and topping Netflix Indonesia’s charts by February 2025. Its graphic violence earned praise from horror fans but sparked debate over its intensity for a 17+ rating. Some villagers in Jlumpang, Semarang, disputed the “true story” claim, with the village head calling it fiction, though the legend persists locally. The film’s viral origins on X, via @BangBetz_, fueled hype, with posts praising its “savage” scares and “blood-soaked” revenge. However, some critics felt the plot leaned too heavily on shock value, with less focus on resolving narrative threads like Sulastri’s full reckoning.

Conclusion

Sumala is a gripping descent into horror, blending a chilling urban legend with raw human emotion. It explores themes of desperation, familial cruelty, and supernatural consequences, wrapped in a visually striking, blood-soaked package. While its intense gore and tragic undertones may not suit all, it’s a standout for horror enthusiasts, cementing Rizal Mantovani’s knack for crafting unforgettable scares. The performances, especially Makayla Rose Hilli’s dual role, and the eerie Javanese backdrop make it a must-watch for those brave enough to face Sumala’s wrath. Catch it on Netflix or revisit its theatrical run to experience a tale that’s as heartbreaking as it is terrifying.

Note: some details of the story are arranged for the completeness of the synopsis without excessive spoilers, based on existing sources. For the full experience, watch the movie live!