Malam Terlarang [Movie Review]

Malam Terlarang [Movie Review] | When Malam Terlarang premiered, I’ll admit: I was skeptical. Too often, our local horror films start strong with a solid storyline, only to crumble under weak execution and technical flaws that dull the fear factor.=

Still, curiosity got the better of me. I decided to give it a chance.

So, did it live up to the hype or did it fall into the same trap as the rest?

SYNOPSIS

Malam Terlarang (2025) Trivia

• Starring: Zul Ariffin, Shasha Abedul, Sofia Jane, Sabri Yunus, Hasnul Rahmat, Normah Damanhuri, Aila Azizul, Amir Nafis, Haneesya Hanee & Sadiq M. Jamil
• Director: Nurhanisham Muhammad (Labu)
• Producer: Hazo Mahayuddin, Gayatri Su-Lin Pillai, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, T.P. Lim, Dato' Seri Robin Tan & Syazana Nizam
• Production Company: Astro Shaw & Infinitus Productions

• Distributed by: Astro Shaw
• Release date: October 30, 2025
• Running time: 110 minutes
• Rating: MA
• Country: Malaysia
• Language: Bahasa Melayu
• IMDb: 7.9/ 10
• Tomatometer: NA
• Metascore: NA
• Directorial debut of Nurhanisham Muhammad @ Labu, bringing his cinematography flair to the film’s visuals.  
• The film is inspired by Nusantara folklore, featuring the rare-to-screen Puja Pantai ritual and the mythical sea goddess Pamakbul. 

It was 1987. Omar was hosting a grand feast at his home with two purposes. First, to rejoice that his wife, Sarimah, was finally recovering from an accident that left her physically impaired. Second, to announce his bold decision to contest in the upcoming district officer election. Like his father, Omar aspired to serve the people of Kampung Pasir Larung and carry on the family’s legacy.

The house buzzed with laughter and music. Sarimah and their two daughters, Safar and Mawar, were all dressed for the occasion. Safar, ever the elegant one, wore her mother’s cherished kebaya, while Mawar showed up in jeans and a T-shirt, a choice that instantly drew her mother’s disapproving glare.

At just 18, Mawar had her life carefully mapped out. She dreamed of becoming a journalist, chasing stories beyond the sleepy shores of her hometown. But when her mother’s condition worsened, Mawar put her ambitions on hold to care for her. While Safar seemed too caught up in her own world.

Everything appeared picture-perfect until tragedy struck. Safar’s lifeless body was found near the mangroves and the family’s happiness shattered in an instant.

Devastated but determined, Mawar sets out to uncover the truth behind her sister’s death. Her investigation unravels generations of secrets buried deep within her family, secrets tied to the ancient Puja Pantai ritual, a forbidden coastal ceremony once performed to appease Pamakbul, the mythical Sea Goddess of the Nusantara. Legends say she blesses those who honor her and curses those who defy her.

As her father’s political campaign intensifies, Omar finds himself locked in a dangerous rivalry with his party leader, Haji Wahid, a man rumored to wield dark forces in his quest for power.

Caught between her father’s political ambitions and her mother’s fragile sanity, Mawar becomes the only one who senses that something far more sinister is at play, a presence watching, waiting and ready to claim what it’s owed.

Is Mawar ready to learn the whole truth about her family?

MY REVIEW

What I Like:  

• Wow! Kudos to the cast - powerful performances. I cried when Omar broke down in front of Safar' body. 
• The cinematography is top-notch.
• Parents - don't bring your kids to watch this one. There are some 18SX scenes here. 
• I love the ghost/ dark entity is not a borrowed costume - very beautiful Pamakbul. 
• I am proud to say that this one is on par if not better than some horror movies of our neighbours.

What I Don't Like:

• Some backstory of the characters are rushed - I know only a bit about each character. 

Will I Watch It Again: Yes, I don't mind watching it again.

Overall: 4.9/ 5.0

The pictures are taken from multiple sources on the Internet. Thank you.

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