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Ghost in the Cell (2026)

Ghost in the Cell (2026), directed by Joko Anwar, starring Abimana Aryasatya and Bront Palarae.

04/16/2026 BR Comedy, Horror and Thriller 1h 46m

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Synopsis

In a notorious prison, an invisible force begins killing inmates brutally, compelling enemy gangs and corrupt guards to work together as they try to survive the mounting bloodshed.

What the catalogue says about this film

  • Film 6 of 6 by Joko Anwar in the catalogue
  • Rated 7.1, against a Horror average of 6.1

Every comparison is within the CineQuiz catalogue, not cinema as a whole.

  • Ical TanjungCinematography
  • Joko AnwarDirector, Editing, Writer
  • Tia HasibuanProducer
  • Aghi NarottamaOriginal music

Ghost in the Cell Collection

The franchise in release order. 2 films.

About the film

Ghost in the Cell is a 2026 Indonesian comedy horror film written and directed by Joko Anwar. The film stars Endy Arfian, Abimana Aryasatya, Yoga Pratama, and Aming. The film was produced by Tia Hasibuan under the banner of Come and See Pictures and premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February 2026, before being screened in Indonesian cinemas on 16 April 2026.

Read the full article (4k characters)

Ghost in the Cell is a 2026 Indonesian comedy horror film written and directed by Joko Anwar. The film stars Endy Arfian, Abimana Aryasatya, Yoga Pratama, and Aming. The film was produced by Tia Hasibuan under the banner of Come and See Pictures and premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on 13 February 2026, before being screened in Indonesian cinemas on 16 April 2026.

Plot

Inside Labuhan Angsana prison, the inmates live with daily problems, oppression from prison officials, as well as hostility and violence among fellow prisoners. One day, a new inmate comes in, and one by one, inmates die in very horrifying ways. After finding out that there is a ghost that kills people with the most negative aura or energy, the inmates compete to do good deeds to keep their auras positive. 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 that they must do to stay alive and united, and fight the oppressors, even the ghost itself!

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 as 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

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.

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.

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.

References

External links

Ghost in the Cell at IMDb

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Text from Ghost in the Cell on Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_in_the_Cell

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Questions about this film

What is Ghost in the Cell about?

Ghost in the Cell: In a notorious prison, an invisible force begins killing inmates brutally, compelling enemy gangs and corrupt guards to work together as they try to survive the mounting bloodshed.

Who directed Ghost in the Cell?

Ghost in the Cell was directed by Joko Anwar in 2026.

Who stars in Ghost in the Cell?

The cast of Ghost in the Cell includes Abimana Aryasatya, Bront Palarae, Dimas Danang, Endy Arfian and Lukman Sardi.

How long is Ghost in the Cell?

Ghost in the Cell runs for 106 minutes, or 1h46.

What is the correct order of the Ghost in the Cell Collection films?

The Ghost in the Cell Collection franchise has 2 films in the catalogue. In release order: Hantu Dalam Sel; Ghost in the Cell 2.

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Page updated on 09/07/2026.

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Scene from Ghost in the Cell