Mystical events always occur in our real lives, even though they may not be visible to the naked eye or to the average person. However, it is important to know that we must strengthen our hearts and always behave well to avoid falling into things that go against the teachings of the religion we follow. Racun Sangga wraps a mystical story in a different way. This time, it's brought from the island of Kalimantan, specifically from Banjar, which is rarely featured on the big screen. We are taken into a story of a sacred marriage that ends with a supernatural force seeking to separate the couple. As time passes, strange events and terrifying occurrences unfold, starting with a mysterious illness that suddenly strikes, in addition to the husband (Andi) unexpectedly becoming possessed and experiencing disturbing dreams. Despite Andi being a devout religious man who avoids anything negative, his religious devotion could not protect him from the dark force that was consuming his body and soul. Various attempts by one person after another, all with high knowledge, to act as healers for Andi's condition, proved unsuccessful. Finally, his wife (Maya) seeks the help of the last person capable of confronting the demon and the dark power that resides within Andi.
Two scenes stand out as the 'golden scenes' of the film. The first is when the baharagu ritual is performed. Artistically, the film doesn't just offer the novelty of audio through the Banjar language, but also through its music, blending with the score by Aghi, which creates a dynamic and grand spectrum.
The second 'golden scene' is in the final act when Maya takes Andi to Ustaz Idris' house to perform a ritual to expel the spirit that has possessed Andi's body due to racun sangga (the poison). This sequence becomes the epic finale that gives the film a sweet closure.
Instead of relying entirely on the supernatural, Racun Sangga also incorporates medical elements to investigate Andi's mysterious illness. Maya's character, with her Arab heritage, doesn't blindly believe in magic. The characters in this film are portrayed with a grounded approach, showing how humans who don't believe in the supernatural will eventually try every possible method to find a cure.
Racun Sangga: Santet Pemisah Rumah Tangga becomes a horror film that evokes a chilling feeling with its atmospheric buildup and prominent musical scoring. It also brings something new to our cinema with the cultural backdrop of Banjar and Kalimantan.
