Hidayah is a 2023 Indonesian horror film directed by Monty Tiwa and produced by Rajesh Punjabi with the production company of Pichouse Films and Clockwork Films. It is based on the 2005 television series of the same name.
Contents
Cast
Ajil Ditto as Bahri
Givina as Ratna
Alif Joerg as Hasan
Unique Priscilla as Hesti
Khiva Iskak as Burhan
Dewi Yull as Umi
Joshua Pandelaki as Kyai Fatah
Fanny Ghassani as Yanti
Revaldo as the workshop owner
Nagra Kautsar as Gilang
Ridwan Kainan as Asep
Baby Niken as Burhan's wife
Ami Asrizal Tankot as Dadang
Cley Nuary as Lisa
Kakang Arda as Mamat
Release
Hidayah officially premiered in Indonesian cinemas on January 12, 2023. The theatrical release was accompanied by promotional events featuring the cast, who highlighted the film's core themes regarding spiritual faith and warnings against supernatural convergence.
Reception
Critical response
Rafifa Shabira of IDN Times rated the film 8 out of 10, praising its tense atmosphere and ability to build suspense gradually without relying heavily on jump scares. Shabira noted that while the film adapts a popular television series, it offers a thematic twist; instead of focusing solely on the victim receiving divine guidance (hidayah), the narrative emphasizes the spiritual journey and self-reckoning of the young cleric, Bahri. Galih Dea of Cultura rated the film 3 out of 5 and gave the film a mixed review, criticizing its grounded plot and unmemorable cast performances for turning the movie into a generic horror flick with an overly preachy delivery. However, Dea praised director Monty Tiwa's ability to build a slow-burn eerie atmosphere during the first half through effective camera work and scoring, while highlighting Givina's performance as Ratna for delivering genuine terror.