TLDR
- Polong, directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, blends horror elements with themes of legacy and the consequences of past actions, giving the storyline greater depth.
- Although it relies quite heavily on jump scares that can feel somewhat predictable, the film still maintains a chilling atmosphere through its strong visuals and solid practical effects.
- The performances by Mimi Lana, Nadiya Nisaa, and Jun Lojong bring emotional weight and strength to the plot, making Polong a worthwhile watch for fans of local horror films.
Malaysian horror has been particularly crowded lately, with each new release trying to outdo the last in terms of scares and spectacle. Polong, directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, certainly arrives with ambition and plenty of buzz, and while it succeeds in several areas, it doesn’t fully escape some of the genre’s more overused habits.
Released on 28 May 2026, the film blends familiar supernatural elements with deeper ideas about legacy, regret, and the consequences of past actions. While it doesn’t fully break away from genre conventions, it offers enough substance to make it a worthwhile watch.
A story with real potential
At the centre of the film is Fatima (Mimi Lana), an ambitious journalist who finds herself entangled in the dark past of Maria Hadi (Jun Lojong), a notorious bomoh who tries to make amends before her death. What begins as an investigation quickly spirals into something supernatural, as Fatima inadvertently awakens an entity once controlled by Maria.
The narrative itself is compelling. There’s a strong emotional spine running through the story, particularly when Fatima crosses paths with Marissa (Nadiya Nisaa), Maria’s estranged daughter. Marissa’s struggle with her mother’s legacy adds depth to the film, turning it into more than just a straightforward horror story.
Image Credit: Golden Star Pictures
The idea of generational curses, of sins bleeding into the lives of those left behind, is one of Polong’s strongest elements, and it gives the film a sense of weight that lingers beyond the scares.
Too many scares, too predictable
Where the film does feel a little conventional is in its use of jump scares. There are quite a number of them, and over time, they become somewhat easy to anticipate.
You can often sense when a scare is coming, the silence stretches just a bit too long, the camera lingers in a familiar way, and that anticipation takes some of the tension out of the experience.
That said, they’re still executed well enough to keep audiences engaged, especially for viewers who enjoy the thrill of traditional horror beats. More importantly, the film never relies only on these moments, it still maintains an underlying sense of unease throughout.
Atmosphere and visuals that stand out
Despite that, Polong is technically solid. The cinematography is one of its highlights, with a moody visual style that complements the film’s darker themes. The use of lighting and shadow helps create an eerie tone, especially in quieter moments where the film isn’t relying on sudden shocks.
Image Credit: Golden Star Pictures
The decision to rely heavily on practical effects rather than heavy CGI also works in its favour. The entity design feels more grounded and tangible, which adds to the overall immersion. Combined with solid sound design, the film manages to sustain an eerie tone even when the scares themselves feel familiar.
Performances that bring emotional weight
The cast helps elevate the plot significantly. Mimi Lana delivers a steady performance as Fatima, capturing both her determination and growing vulnerability as events spiral out of control.
Nadiya Nisaa stands out as Marissa, bringing emotional nuance to a character caught between fear and responsibility. Her performance helps anchor the film’s central themes, making the story feel more personal.
Image Credit: Golden Star Pictures
Meanwhile, Jun Lojong’s portrayal of Maria Hadi is also memorable, with her presence lingering throughout the film even when she’s not on screen.
Our verdict
Polong may not completely escape the usual horror formula, particularly with its reliance on jump scares, but it makes up for it with a compelling story, strong performances, and impressive visual execution.
It’s a film that shows clear ambition, especially in how it tackles themes of legacy and consequence, and that effort shines through even when the scares feel a bit too predictable.
There’s enough here to appreciate, especially for audiences who enjoy local horror with a psychological edge.
Watch the trailer below:
Featured Image Credit: Golden Star Pictures
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