Ghost in the Cell – Review

Ever wondered what the show Oz would have been like if there had been malevolent ghosts invading the prison and absolutely mangling bodies? And then sprinkle in a bit of social observational dark humor? No? Oh. Well. Okay. I guess I hadn’t either.

As Dimas (Afrian) works late at night on his story about nine workers reportedly mysteriously dying in the local forest, his editor pressures him to finish. A big company have illegally dug up 10,000 hectares of protected Borneo forest in order to make a nickel mine. This should be big news, and people are dead.

Dimas even drove out to the area, and knows the owner Mr. Endy will love his piece. The man himself calls immediately, demanding the article, so Dimas rushes in to talk to him. Endy is stressed about expenses, especially such a long trip to the forest, and especially the talk about the company involved. Dimas is on the economics desk; this shouldn’t be his focus! Dimas leaves.

As Mr. Endy suddenly meets an extremely violent end, Dimas catches the case and winds up in Labuhan Angsana prison, a place no one wants to be. This clank is full of violent offenders and guard that don’t give a shit about human rights. There are many other offenders, such as Anggoro (Aryasatya) who tries to stand up to oppression. Strange and horrific deaths begin to pile up in the facility, and everyone is put on edge, guard or inmate.

Ghost in the Cell is very violent and gross as far as gruesome bodily destruction is concerned. It’s also somewhat creepy and unsettling with some of the haunted elements. Yet through all of that, it remains watchable due to some funny dialogue, and interesting social commentaries throughout. This is my first run in with the director, but I would say that the quality is definitely there.

This is a strange mix of elements, and is more drama and horror than outright dark comedy, but there are plenty are good lines, and the focal point inmates are mostly decent characters also. Whether you like them is another factor, but the script at least gives you a shot.

If you want a flavor of another part of the world mixed in with horror, this is a decent time, however there are plenty of unsympathetic people showcased also. If you do watch it, keep your aura positive.

“What color is indigo?”