Thai horror hit ‘Ladda Land’ gets Indonesian remake ‘Perumahan Laddaland’, now haunting Malaysian cinemas

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 — Asian horror films have a habit of spreading beyond their home countries, often finding fresh audiences through remakes and reimaginings. Indonesia, in particular, has been keen on adapting horror hits from neighboring regions to suit local tastes. Some of these include the South Korean Gonjiam: Haunted Asylum, portrayed as 402: Rumah Sakit Angker Korea, and Thailand’s Shutter.

In Malaysia, Munafik is set for an Indonesian remake later this year. The most recent addition to this trend is Perumahan Laddaland, an Indonesian adaptation of Sophon Sakdaphisit’s 2011 Thai supernatural horror film Ladda Land. Directed by Awi Suryadi, the Indonesian remake stars Titi Kamal, Andri Mashadi, Anantya Rezky Kirana, and Shakeel Fauzi Aisy.

The film premiered in Malaysia on August 13, alongside its release in Indonesia and Brunei. While Perumahan Laddaland maintains the original Thai story’s core, the Indonesian version adds its own take on characters, family dynamics, and the eerie ambiance of the haunted housing estate. For Titi Kamal, the project presented an opportunity to explore a different facet of the horror genre.

Speaking from Central Jakarta’s Thamrin area, she told VIVA that the film blends psychological thriller and horror elements with a strong family drama. “This is something different. You could say it’s a psychological thriller and horror, which is something different,” she said. Instead of solely relying on supernatural scares, the film gradually increases tension through a series of unsettling incidents affecting Tomy’s family as they move into their new home.

Titi emphasized the importance of the family element, with supernatural events intertwined with the characters’ struggles. “Throughout the film, we want to create a sense of suspense and tension. Of course, there is also a strong family drama, and there will definitely be jump scares from beginning to end. We want to give movie lovers an interesting experience,” she said.

The approach of Indonesian horror remakes has varied, with some performing well and others receiving mixed reviews. For Perumahan Laddaland, early feedback has highlighted its slow-burn execution, cinematography, and eerie atmosphere, as well as its commitment to preserving the mystery of the original. Malaysian early reviews have largely appreciated this pace.

The Auraspectrix Malaysia review team commended the film's slow-burn tension-building, calling out its cinematography, lighting, and production design. Flipstar Cinemas praised the film’s visuals, while Filmy React noted that while the plot was somewhat predictable, its execution remained impactful. Perumahan Laddaland follows Tomy, who purchases what he believes will be his family’s dream home in a luxurious housing development.

Alongside his wife Melisa and their children, Tania and Elvin, he initially views the move as a fresh start. However, their blissful beginning turns grim after a domestic worker’s murder on the property. As the family encounters increasingly disturbing events, they confront more than just a potential haunting. Perumahan Laddaland is currently playing in cinemas throughout Malaysia.