DIFFERENCES IN CHARACTER REPRESENTATION AND SYMBOLISM IN THE FILMS 'PENGANTIN IBLIS' AND 'PENGANTIN SETAN' 2025: A STUDY OF LITERATURE AND POPULAR CULTURE

Abstract

This study examines the differences in character representation and symbolism in the 2025 Indonesian horror films Pengantin Iblis and Pengantin Setan, analyzing how each film engages with themes rooted in literature and popular culture. As contemporary reimagining of traditional horror tropes, both films present unique portrayals of evil, femininity, and the supernatural, reflecting Indonesia’s evolving cultural and spiritual landscape. Through a comparative analysis of visual storytelling, character construction, and symbolic elements, the research highlights how each film embodies distinct interpretations of folklore, myth, and religious belief. The study draws upon literary theory, semiotics, and cultural studies to investigate how narrative structures and symbolic imagery communicate broader societal anxieties, particularly those concerning gender roles, moral boundaries, and spiritual transgression. Pengantin Iblis leans toward a more traditional and ritualistic portrayal of evil, Pengantin Setan incorporates modern horror aesthetics and psychological tension, revealing a shift in audience expectations and cultural discourse. By situating these films within the framework of Indonesian popular culture and literary heritage, the study reveals how horror cinema continues to serve as a powerful medium for negotiating identity, tradition, and modernity. This research contributes to the growing field of Southeast Asian film studies and deepens understanding of Indonesia’s rich narrative traditions in contemporary media.