Synopsis:
Qorin, a 2022 Indonesian psychological horror film written by Ginanti Rona, merges Islamic folklore with themes of adolescent defiance and a controlling spiritual regime. It is set within the eerie confines of an Islamic girls’ boarding school and follows the dark and shocking outcomes of a summoning ritual meant for conjuring one’s qorin: a spiritual twin that is said to accompany a person from birth.
The story captures Zahra Qurotun Aini, a devoted and subservient student and the top achiever and pride of the school. Her existence revolves around extreme self-discipline, rigorous religious engagement, and gaining recognition from all the authority figures, especially the tyrannical head-spiritualist, Ustad Jaelani. Things begin to shake for Zahra when she is invited to mentor a new transfer student Yolanda, a rebellious sorrowful teen with a history of bad behavior.
Yolanda’s character marks the beginning of unwelcomed turmoil within the already rigid climate of the school. Unlike most students, she actively challenges the school’s rules and societal expectations, serving as a stark contrast to Zahra. The two girls do not see eye to eye, but through them, we are exposed to the conflict between societal rules and individuality, and the alleged conflict becomes profound as things take a supernatural turn later on in the film.
Ustad Jaelani demonstrates an uncommon practice that he asserts deepens a student’s connection to enlightenment. In actuality, it is an abhorrent ritual that requires the summoning of the qorin— a shadow self in Islamic belief. What initially passes as a spiritual exercise, the ritual has startlingly terrifying effects. The students begin to suffer from hallucinations, violent and erratic shifts to their personality, and physical self-harm.
While all of this is happening, Zahra solves the puzzle of the ritual and the more powerful eldritch cabals that weave the fabric of society. Here, she needs to somehow endure the nightmare catalyzed by the arcane practice, coupled with the confrontation of her identity, belief system, and the relearning of the blindfolded matrix of order she once unquestioningly accepted.
Cast & Characters:
Zulfa Maharani portrays Zahra Qurotun Aini, who as the central protagonist, easily captivates the audience through her portrayal of the plight and torment experienced by a devoted student-turned-victim of spirituality’s deepisodes—a term herein termed as betrayal.”
Aghniny Haque stars as Yolanda, the new student with a rebellious streak who acts simultaneously as Zahra’s antithesis and catalyst for her psychological wrangling. Yolanda’s history, mental disposition, and softness render her a rich character.
Omar Daniel takes the role of Ustad Jaelani, the feared and respected religious authority. His multilayered interpretation reveals a complex figure who conceals wickedness beneath spirituality, making him the primary villain of the film.
Supporting roles are played by Dea Annisa Naimma Aljufri and Egy Fedly, who all comprise the class that animates the boarding school and its suffocating milieu.
Direction and Writing:
Visually scant yet thematically rich, Ginanti Rona’s directorial work contains strikingly succinct choices. Rona’s blend of the supernatural with the familiar reality of religion creates a setting that is simultaneously realistic and chilling. The script by Lele Laila and Ginanti Rona remains concise and character-driven, exploring cultural taboos, mental health, and the costs of faith rooted in inertia and unquestioning submission.
Themes and Symbolism:
Qorin possesses multiple themes, focusing on the most dangerous attributes of religious power, and the effects of actual over spirituality. Ustad Jaelani is an example of the misuse of power as religion can take over one’s mind. The control that the school exerts over its students is often masked as guidance or enlightenment. Fear and submission to authority are turned into a debilitating and stultifying oppression.
In Islam, the qorin refers to a dark instinct spirit companion of a human, which is termed the same in the film. Each character faces terrifying childhood traumas and emotions from within themselves due to the physical embodiment of the qorin. This notion of a doppelganger serves not only as a supernatural danger, but also a mental one; the true adversary of every character was themselves.
Every character in the show represents different phases of self-acceptance. Zahra’s transition from obedience to rebellion reflects this concept best. As she goes through blind faith followed by critical thinking, Yolanda’s character serves as a rallying point of defiance, urging Zahra to question instead of surrender.
Atmosphere and Cinematography:
The school’s dull and minimal lighting enhances its restgictional vibe. This all contributes to the feeling of mental anguish as there is literal no freedom in the boarding school.
Possession and supernatural interference scenes are enhanced by extended silences, close up shots, and eerie psychological discomfort. Showing absence of flashy visuals, one relies on creepy sounds to create distressing feelings towards the audience.
Sound Design and Music:
In this film, sound design is critical in constructing the movie’s suspense. The sacred feel combined with traditional Indonesian instruments and unsettling ambient sounds gives a haunting yet spiritual timbre. The score of the movie minimalistically enhances moments of dread whilst religious chanting is used profoundly to blur boundaries between the sacred and the sinister.
Reception and Impact:
The movie was praised for its multifaceted approach to religious horror. Qorin has been commended for sensitive treatment of issues like religious hypocrisy, spiritual gaslighting, and emotional silencing of young women within conservatism. The audience and critics appreciated the character-focused horror recounted in low-key, atmospheric tension.
Qorin has been received positively for the slow burning pace, particularly in the first half, that builds up character depth and themes. In contrast, the second half of the film is packed with supernatural and psychological horror elements, providing a gripping and contemplative finale.
A number of audience members applauded the less-explored perspective on Islamic ideology depicted in mainstream horror, arguing it adds remarkable cultural specificity. Others criticized the film for its lack of focus on self-affirmation and self-liberation.
Conclusion:
Qorin is a sophisticated horror flick that intricately weaves religion’s dark side with terror, examining the psychological scars stemming from oppressive systems as well as the necessity of self-identity recovery. In blending contemporary horror storytelling with Islamic folklore, the film tells a tale that is unique yet remains culturally significant while resonating universally.
Zahra’s character performance by Zulfa Maharani is emotionally captivating, alongside Ginanti Rona’s subtle direction which maintains balance in the film’s horror elements to ensure they do not overshadow the plot. This uniquely allows the audience to see the depth of Qorin’s shadow; the potential terror that lies within belief when weaponized and the true cost of freedom from such bondage.
For those in search of a deeply unsettling yet intellectually stimulating horror experience, Qorin is bound to offer a haunting exploration of one’s self through the frightening lens of faith.
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