Indonesian horror films have always carried a different kind of fear, one that feels rooted in belief rather than imagination. Sosok Ketiga: Lintrik, directed by Fajar Nugros, follows the same path. The movie features performances from Adinda Thomas, Aulia Sarah, and Wafda Saifan Lubis, who bring the characters to life with convincing emotional depth.
From the very beginning, the movie builds a sense of discomfort. It does not rely heavily on loud jump scares but instead slowly introduces a presence that feels wrong, almost as if something is wandering around. This quiet approach makes the horror feel more personal, as if it could happen in real life.
The Meaning Of Lintrik In Real Life
Real cultural practices, particularly within the Using community in Banyuwangi, Indonesia, inspire the concept of “lintrik,” making the story even more unsettling. In this context, practitioners recognise lintrik as a form of traditional mystical knowledge associated with supernatural beliefs, including santet and other forms of magic.
However, lintrik stands out from other forms of mystical practices because it is often considered a representation of female power. Unlike many other forms of ngelmu that are dominated by male practitioners, lintrik is typically performed by female shamans. This is because the practice requires patience, precision, and careful ritual work, which women closely associate with it.
The practice itself involves the use of Kertu Sewidak, a set of sixty symbolic cards known as ‘kartu lintrik’, along with mantras spoken in the Using language. These rituals are not limited to harmful intentions. In fact, lintrik is considered so complex and ambivalent that it can be used for attraction or love, locating lost items, or even predicting someone’s intentions. At the same time, depending on the purpose and the practitioner’s intention, it can also carry darker consequences. This dual nature is what makes lintrik particularly disturbing when portrayed in the film. It is not simply about something evil but about something that exists within everyday cultural belief.
A Plot Twist That Changes Everything
One of the most interesting aspects of the movie is its plot twist, which feels refreshing and far from cliché. At the beginning, the story leads the audience to dislike the woman who turns to lintrik, making her appear as the antagonist behind the disturbing events.
However, as the story unfolds, the truth slowly shifts that perception. The woman is not the villain but a victim, someone who is deeply hurt by a man she trusted. He had secretly married another woman without her knowledge, betraying her in a way that left her emotionally broken with her son.
This revelation changes the entire perspective of the story. Instead of seeing her as someone driven by evil, the audience begins to understand her pain and desperation. Unlike many horror films that portray women who use black magic as purely antagonistic, this film presents her as a complex and human character.
More Than Horror, A Story About Pain And Consequences
Beyond the supernatural elements, the movie speaks about something much more real, which is emotional vulnerability. It shows how pain, betrayal, and desperation can push someone towards choices they would not have made otherwise.
The horror in this movie comes not only from the supernatural presence but also from the emotional reality behind it. It reflects how human actions, especially those rooted in betrayal, can lead to consequences that feel just as terrifying as anything supernatural.