‘The Invisible Guest’ Remake Director Danial Rifki on Suharto-Era Fear and Why His New Thriller Is About ‘How to Fight Back’

Indonesian filmmaker Danial Rifki has emerged as a significant voice in contemporary cinema by tackling themes of power, fear, and resilience within his latest works. In 2023, Rifki completed a local adaptation of the Spanish thriller "The Invisible Guest," which encountered delays due to HBO exclusivity restrictions before its eventual release on HBO Max in August 2024. The film, a reimagining of Oriol Paulo’s 2016 suspense hit, situates its narrative within an Indonesian context and features performances by notable actors Reza Rahadian, Mawar de Jongh, and Arifin Putra. It premiered at the Jakarta World Cinema festival, where Rifki also presented two other films, further showcasing his versatility.

Alongside the thriller remake, Rifki showcased "Tua Tua Keladi," a romantic comedy set in a small village, exploring the awakening of repressed emotions among its elderly residents following an environmental crisis. The story challenges prevailing stereotypes about aging by focusing on the vitality and emotional depth of older characters, avoiding overt sensuality despite its provocative premise. Rifki expressed a deliberate effort to depict youthful characters in a manner emphasizing innocence over physicality, reflecting his concerns about the pervasive influence of explicit digital media on younger audiences.

Rifki’s third film at the festival, "Sandal Jepit No. 10," is a tense thriller confined largely to a police interrogation room. It portrays the harrowing experience of a grieving father accused of murder, exposing the lingering effects of political repression during Indonesia’s Suharto era. The film offers a commentary on ongoing societal fears related to authority and censorship, highlighting how digital platforms have evolved into new arenas for public dissent and collective empowerment.

The director’s interest in the dynamics of power and moral conflict is a throughline in his work. Drawing from Indonesia’s complex political history, Rifki portrays the subtle and overt mechanisms of control that continue to influence contemporary life. His narratives resonate with broader discussions about freedom of expression and the role of social media in shaping public discourse.

Rifki’s cinematic approach is marked by his willingness to explore multiple genres, including romance, thriller, and drama, as part of his artistic growth. His storytelling often centers on human dilemmas and ethical challenges, transcending genre conventions to engage with deeper societal issues.

Looking ahead, Rifki is preparing to release "Before Thirty" in January 2027, a survival drama that scrutinizes societal expectations placed on young adults in Indonesia. The film delves into the pressures to achieve significant milestones before the age of thirty, offering a critical reflection on cultural values related to success and personal fulfillment.

Through these projects, Rifki continues to expand his narrative scope, incorporating action and horror elements while maintaining a focus on the human condition. His work reflects an evolving perspective shaped by Indonesia’s shifting social landscape and the director’s own journey as a filmmaker.

While specific production details and release strategies for some of Rifki’s projects remain limited, his recent films collectively highlight his commitment to addressing pressing social themes. By weaving political commentary into engaging stories, Rifki contributes to a growing cinematic discourse that challenges audiences to reconsider assumptions about power, age, and identity in modern Indonesia.