Para Perasuk: Killing loneliness, between reality and fantasy

The film "Para Perasuk" delves into the pervasive issue of loneliness, presenting a vibrant art studio and a unique festival as antidotes to modern isolation. The narrative follows Bayu, a character who finds meaning and happiness through his involvement with the studio and its community, particularly during the Sambetan festival.

Director Wregas Bhanuteja uses the film's supernatural elements not to evoke fear, but to explore the profound human need for belonging and acceptance. The community and the joy found in shared experiences like the Sambetan festival are depicted as essential mechanisms for happiness. This sense of belonging is portrayed as a vital safeguard against despair, offering an alternative to destructive impulses.

The film also examines the nature of the supernatural, suggesting it can exist independently of horror. It draws parallels between the trance-like states experienced during the Sambetan ritual, which involves a shamanic intermediary, and the atmosphere of a nightclub disco. This comparison underscores how altered states of consciousness, when experienced within a communal context, can be profoundly meaningful and therapeutic. The film also highlights the unique qualities of animals, likening their protective shells and varied natures to human experiences.