The International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention 6(02): 5273-5281, 2019 DOI: 10.18535/ijsshi/v6i2.03 ICV 2015: 45.28 ISSN: 2349-2031 © 2019, THEIJSSHI 5273 The International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, vol. 6, Issue 02, February, 2019 Research Article Hidden Moral Messages in Indonesian Horror Film (Analysis of Palasik Film) Redi Panuju Affiliation: dr. Soetomo University, Semolowaru Street Number 84 Surabaya 60118 Indonesia Abstract: This article discusses implicit moral messages in the Palasik film. This film is based on a myth from West Sumatra society as a creature invented by someone who is a Black magician looking to live long in the world. At night, while looking for food, Palasik let’s go of his head and floated in the air. Palasik food is a fetus that is in the womb of h is mother. Stories like this make film creators unable to avoid the element of violence in visualization. As a result, many criticisms of this film consider it to be extreme, especially at the moment when Palasik is preying on a fetus in the womb and blood is splattered everywhere. Also, the visualization of explosions for women who have just given birth by first pouring gasoline on them is considered excessive. In general, horror films get criticized because of the content of pornography and violence in them. The crucial question is whether or not the Palasik film does not contain a moral message? This study uses a narrative analysis approach. Data was obtained through in-depth observations of the story of the film arranged from scene to scene. The author interprets the film scene after scene and concludes the moral message hidden in the story. The results showed that the Palasik film conveyed many moral messages, although not explicit. For example, it conveys that collective unity can defeat evil, excessive love can make a person less alert to something bad around them, aggressiveness is formed based on habits step by step, revenge has made humans lose their humanity (especially for invented creatures like Palasik which are certainly more destructive), and power-hungry humans are willing to serve Satan in order to achieve that power. Keywords: horror film, moral messages, implicit, religious symbols, myths Background Horror films are a genre of film that has never subsided. They have been produced from year to year. Primada Qurrota Ayun (2015: 1-10) summarized the history of horror films in Indonesia starting in 1941 through Tengkorak Hidoep by Tan Tjoei Hock and following Lisa (1971) by Shariefuddin. These two films are referred to by the analysis of films as the foundation of the horror or mystical genre in Indonesia. In the 1980s, it was said that Indonesian films experienced their heyday, not only because of the production of horror films is very much, but also because horror films generally attracted the attention of the audience. This is coupled with the many awards received at the festival because they are considered have quality from a certain side. Ratu Pantai Selatan film (1980) for example, received an award for special effects qualifications and Ratu Pantai Hitam film (1981) received many nominations at the 1981 Indonesian Film Festival (FFI). According to research by Muhammad Luthi (2013), the peak of the horror film in the 1980s was marked by the number of horror films produced reaching 84 film titles. But of the many horror films that have received the most appreciation from the public, only one film stars Suzzanna. The beautiful and sexy figure of Suzzana's artistry attracts the spectator's attraction. This is coupled with the storyline that pushes myths about Ratu Pantai Selatan (The queen of the southern sea), Nyi Blorong, Sundel Bolong, all of which are known and even believed to exist in people's lives. It also mentions freedom of work outside politics in the New Order era caused this film to get a place in the government. Previously, many Indonesian horror films depended on the themes of traditional myths and legends, so after 2000, Indonesian horror films dared to present more varied themes, such as the lives of teenagers in urban areas. In early 2018, horror films showed their dominance in the market. In the first semester of 2018, 48 horror titles appeared, which from the title and poster were very exciting. The purpose of this style of film is indeed to frighten the audience. The genre's titles include; Kafir, Sebelum Iblis Mejemput, Sesat, Ninik Towok, Gentayangan, Jailangkung 2, Sajen, Jaga Pocong, Alas Pati, Bayi Gaib, Rasuk, Titisan Setan, Munafik, Sakral, Kuntilanak, Bisikan Iblis, Kembang Kantil, Arwah Tumbal Nyai, Tumbal The Ritual, The Secret, Suster Ngesot, Syirik, Jaran Goyang, Gost, dan The Origin of Santet. Based on the circulation of the film, according to the records of Cinema 21, Blitzmegaplex, and film producers, which were published by the filmindonesia.or.id account (2018), of the 15 best-selling films in 2018 semester, horror films contributed 7 best-selling films, namely; Danur 2: Madah (2,572,672 spectators), Jailangkung 2 (1,498,635 spectators), Sabrina (1,337,510 spectators), Kuntilanak (1,236,000 spectators), Sebelum Iblis Menjemput (1,122,187 spectators), Rasuk (900,362 viewers), Sajen (792,892 spectators). The horror film genre initially refers to the protrusion of the film in scenes of scenes that make the audience‟s adrenaline pump due to a series of stories that are difficult to guess and often contrary to logic. Tension grew worse because of the illustrations of music and visual effects that strengthened the gripping atmosphere. Because of that, in the Big Indonesian