Ghost in the Cell (film)

Ghost in the Cell is a 2026 Indonesian comedy horror film directed by Joko Anwar. The film stars Endy Arfian, Abimana Aryasatya, Yoga Pratama, and Aming. It is premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February 2026, before being released in Indonesian cinemas on 16 April 2026.

Ghost in the Cell
Poster
Directed by	Joko Anwar
Written by	Joko Anwar
Produced by	Tia Hasibuan
Starring	Endy Arfian Abimana Aryasatya Yoga Pratama Aming Kiki Narendra
Cinematography	Ical Tanjung
Edited by	Joko Anwar
Music by	Aghi Narottama
Production companies	Come and See Pictures Rapi Films Legacy Pictures
Distributed by	GSC Movies (Malaysia)
Release dates	February 13, 2026 (2026-02-13) (Berlin) April 16, 2026 (2026-04-16) (Indonesia) April 30, 2026 (2026-04-30) (Malaysia)
Running time	106 menit
Country	Indonesia
Language	Bahasa Indonesia

Plot

Inside Labuhan Angsana prison, the inmates live with daily problems of oppression from prison officials, as well as hostility and violence between fellow inmates. One day, a new inmate enters and one by one the inmates die in very horrific ways. After learning that there is a ghost that kills people with the most negative aura or energy, the inmates compete to do good deeds to maintain their positive aura. But of course, it is very difficult to stay positive in a prison full of injustice. Until they realize one thing that seems impossible but they must do to stay united, and fight against the oppressors, even ghosts!

Cast

• Endy Arfian as Dimas
• Abimana Aryasatya as Anggoro
• Yoga Pratama as Six
• Mike Lucock as Wildan
• Danang Suryonegoro as Irfan
• Lukman Sardi as Pendi
• Kiki Narendra as Sapto
• Bront Palarae as Jefri
• Aming as Tokek
• Tora Sudiro as Anton
• Arswendy Beningswara as Prakasa
• Morgan Oey as Bimo
• Haydar Salishz as Donald
• Dewa Dayana as Prakasa muda
• Marissa Anita as istri Endy
• Rio Dewanto as Endy
• Radja Nasution as Bibin
• Almanzo Konoralma as Buki
• Faiz Vishal as Vijay
• Jaisal Tanjung as Bambang
• Ho Yuhang as Rendra
• Magistus Miftah sebagai Novilham

Release

Ghost in the Cell premiered at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival before becoming a box office success in Indonesia following its local release on April 16, 2026.

Reception

Critical response

Mia Butter of Berlin Art Link, described Joko Anwar's Ghost in the Cell as an inventive fusion of horror, slapstick comedy, and political satire following its premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival. Butter praised the film's unique setting a corrupt Indonesian prison for critiquing class disparity and censorship, particularly noting the inclusion of a prominent LGBTQ+ character. While observing that initial graphic violence gives way to surreal humor, the review concluded that the film is a charming, disarming, and politically relevant addition to contemporary Indonesian cinema.

Siddhant Adlakha of Certified Forgotten, rated Ghost in the Cell 2.5 out of 5, calling it a creative yet unevenly paced mix of action, horror, and political satire. While Adlakha praised the film's inventive gore, martial arts comedy, and unexpected tonal shifts ranging from slapstick humor to queer drama he criticized its slow pacing and long buildup before the main supernatural plot begins.

Rouven Linnarz of Asian Movie Pulse, praised Ghost in the Cell as one of Joko Anwar's best films, highlighting its effective blend of action, horror, and absurd comedy. Linnarz noted that the supernatural prison setting serves as an insightful allegory for political corruption and social dysfunction in Indonesia, while specifically praising Abimana Aryasatya's lead performance and the film's inventive humor.

Following its screening at the 28th Far East Film Festival, Yasmine Chan of View of the Arts awarded Ghost in the Cell a 4 out of 5 stars rating and praised Joko Anwar's Ghost in the Cell as an effective blend of slapstick humor and graphic horror. Chan commended the film's artistic presentation of violence and its sharp social commentary, particularly praising how the contrast between underprivileged and corrupt elite inmates critiques systemic inequality and institutional power.

John Lui of The Straits Times, described Joko Anwar's Ghost in the Cell as a bloody horror-comedy that uses a corrupt Jakarta prison as a metaphor for Indonesian society. Lui praised the film's blend of dark comedy, graphic practical effects, and sharp political satire, noting how its supernatural premise critiques systemic inequality, official hypocrisy, and institutional abuse.

Vila Marescotti, Veronica Berna, and Alvin Qobulsyah of The Southeast Asia Desk, highlighted as a notable entry in Indonesian horror cinema that uses prison lore to explore broader socio-political themes. The review noted that Joko Anwar successfully weaves supernatural terror with local cultural dynamics and systemic commentary, using the correctional facility as a backdrop to examine social inequality and institutional decay.

Shandy Pradana of IDN Times, rated Ghost in the Cell 4.5 out of 5, highlighted as Joko Anwar's most daring and unhinged film to date, receiving praise for its fearless genre blending. The review commended the film's integration of dark slapstick comedy, intense practical gore, and sharp socio-political commentary set within a high-security prison. It noted that beneath its chaotic and absurd supernatural premise, the narrative delivers a meaningful exploration of institutional abuse, human nature under confinement, and systemic corruption, bolstered by strong ensemble performances.

Gisella Keilsa of CNN Indonesia, rated Ghost in the Cell 4 out of 5 and praised for its energetic blend of graphic horror, dark comedy, and social critique. The review noted that the prison setting effectively serves as an allegory for real-world corruption and systemic injustice, supported by solid ensemble performances and a compelling narrative style.

Levi Larassaty of Beauty Journal, praised for its refreshing and entertaining blend of horror, comedy, and social satire. Levi highlighted the film's strong character development and engaging ensemble performances, noting how the interactions among diverse prison inmates drive both the emotional weight and comedic timing of the story. Levi commended Anwar's ability to balance graphic gore with lighthearted moments, making the supernatural prison narrative accessible while still delivering a thoughtful critique on human connection, survival, and societal prejudice.

Agnes Veronica Lasut of Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI), praised as a unique and highly entertaining entry in Indonesian genre cinema that successfully merges horror, action, and comedy. The critic highlighted the film's strong narrative pacing and visual execution, emphasizing how the claustrophobic prison setting intensifies both the horror elements and the dark comedic situations. It noted that the story effectively uses supernatural events to deliver a subtle critique of human nature, solidarity, and societal flaws, while commending the cast for their solid character portrayals and seamless chemistry.

Muhammad Saddam Amtael Soerawijaya of Popmama, praised as a uniquely entertaining horror-comedy that delivers lighthearted entertainment while maintaining emotional depth and moral lessons. The critic highlighted the film's ability to blend intense jump scares and supernatural horror with relatable family themes and humorous character dynamics among the prison inmates. The critic noted that, beneath its gory premise and comedic moments, the story offers meaningful reflections on redemption, solidarity, and the importance of empathy, making it an engaging and thought-provoking viewing experience for audiences.

External links

• Ghost in the Cell at IMDb