KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian horror films continue to hold their ground, but with more releases entering the market each year, it has become increasingly difficult for the genre to stand out and capture audience interest.

Polong, Malaysia’s latest horror entry, cuts through that noise with a fresh approach, delivering eerie tension and a story designed to linger in audiences’ minds long after they leave the cinema.

The hype surrounding the film has been high, with the teaser released last month garnering over three million views across social media platforms in less than 24 hours.

Polong is directed by Zulkarnain Azhar, who is known for acclaimed local features such as Air Force The Movie: Selagi Bernyawa and Takluk: Lahad Datu.

The cast features Mimi Lana as Fatima, Fad Anuar as Mamat, June Lojong as Maria Hadi, Namron as Adi, and Nadiya Nisaa as Marissa, alongside Riezman Khuzaimi, Amir Nafis, Nesa Idrus, and Elizad Sharifuddin.

The story follows an ambitious journalist, Fatima, who unintentionally uncovers the dark past of Maria Hadi, a notorious female shaman who attempted to repent for her sins near the end of her life.

Fatima’s search for the truth not only exposes long-buried crimes but also unleashes something far more dangerous — an entity once nurtured and controlled by Maria herself.

Now hunted by an unexplainable force, Fatima seeks refuge with Marissa, Maria’s estranged daughter, who has been living in isolation.

“Polong attempts to portray that certain legacies do not bring protection, but instead destruction to the next generation.

“To me, the greatest fear does not come solely from supernatural beings, but from humans who are willing to do anything to fulfill their desires,” explained director Zulkarnain.