What Is Satan's Slaves: Communion About?
The premise of Satan's Slaves: Communion in 316 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the sweltering summer of 1955, Budiman Syailendra, a seasoned investigative journalist, is summoned to the isolated heights of the Bosscha Observatory. There he meets his old friend, police commander Heru Kusuma, who has stumbled upon a baffling tableau of exhumed bodies arranged in a macabre display beneath a portrait of a figure known only as Mawaran. Against the backdrop of a nation poised on the world stage for the upcoming Bandung Conference, the two men grapple with the weight of a secret that could tarnish a country’s reputation. The atmosphere is thick with colonial‑era tension, a pervasive sense of unease, and the faint whisper of forces that defy rational explanation.
Three decades later, the story shifts to the cramped, aging complex of Mandara Apartments in Jakarta, where Rini and her brothers Toni and Bondi eke out a fragile existence under the watchful eye of their enigmatic father, Bahri Suwono. Budiman, now the editor of a niche occult magazine, receives an unsettling package that hints at a lingering darkness tied to the events of 1955. The apartment tower, with its creaking walls and flickering lights, becomes a crucible where personal grief, hidden histories, and an undercurrent of the uncanny converge. The siblings, each bearing their own burdens, find themselves drawn together by a shared curiosity about the strange symbols and cryptic messages that begin to surface around them.
The film weaves a slow‑burning tapestry of dread and intrigue, balancing the gritty realism of post‑war Indonesia with an almost dream‑like, supernatural haze. As the characters navigate the thin line between journalism, superstition, and family loyalty, the audience is invited to feel the palpable tension of secrets waiting to surface. Every hallway, every whispered rumor, and every lingering glance suggests that the past is not finished with those who dared to look—and that the truth, whatever it may be, threatens to upend the fragile world they have built.
What Happens in Satan's Slaves: Communion?
The complete story of Satan's Slaves: Communion, from the first scene to the last, in 676 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As the year 1955 unfolds, seasoned newspaper journalist Budiman Syailendra receives an urgent summons to witness an enigmatic occurrence at Bosscha Observatory. His steadfast ally, Heru, a police commander, has been burdened with the task of managing a chilling discovery — a multitude of exhumed corpses lies in front of a framed portrait of the mysterious Mawaran, as if paying homage. With strict orders to keep this unnerving revelation under wraps in order to preserve the country’s reputation ahead of the significant Bandung Conference, Heru persuades Budiman to share the story through unconventional means, feeling deep down that the truth deserves to be revealed.
Fast-forward to 1984, where we find ourselves amid the dilapidated surroundings of Mandara Apartments in Jakarta. Rini has been struggling to make ends meet alongside her brothers Toni and Bondi, while their father Bahri Suwono remains shrouded in mystery, juggling odd jobs during the day while safeguarding a briefcase full of secrets. Meanwhile, Budiman, now the editor-in-chief of a prestigious occult magazine, receives a cryptic package containing a suicide note from Heru, alongside unsettling photographs and drawings signaling cult activities emerging within the ominous structure of Mandara. Concerningly, the unsettling images indicate that Bahri was among the police officers who escorted Budiman to the observatory years ago.
In a tragic turn of events, a malfunctioning lift at Mandara leads to catastrophe, claiming numerous lives. As the storm rages and floods engulf the building, trapping its residents, Rini offers solace to Wisnu, a young boy mourning his mother, who fell victim to the calamity. Their shared grief uncovers a connection that transcends ordinary understanding. Wisnu discloses the secret sign language he learned from an occult book, which allowed him and his mother to communicate in silence, evading the cruelty of his abusive father.
As the flooding stirs something malevolent, supernatural disturbances begin to torment the residents. The power grid fails, prompting Bondi and his friends to discover haunting photographs in the building manager’s apartment, illuminating the sinister truth of a cult congregation every 29 years on April 17th, a date now ominously drawing near. Meanwhile, Toni stumbles upon a hidden room revealing unsettling details of their deceased mother, Mawarni, who is intriguingly linked to a dark alter ego known as Raminom. This revelation triggers a cascade of memories for Rini, recalling her own mother’s metamorphosis into an unfamiliar figure following her musical aspirations.
As threat levels rise and paranormal forces unleash their fury, Rini dares to open Bahri’s briefcase, unveiling severed fingers that insinuate his connection to the occult. In desperate search of answers, the siblings ascend to the top floor where Ian, their youngest brother, is revealed to have been taken by the cult. Wisnu’s newfound sign language bridges the gap, allowing Ian to acknowledge his identity as a long-lost companion.
Just when it seems that despair reigns supreme, the eerie tranquillity of Mandara is shattered by the alarming return of the dead. Raminom orchestrates a relentless pursuit of destruction, targeting the siblings, Wisnu, and a few remaining survivors. An attempt to reach safety brings them face to face with Bahri, only to be ensnared by the cult’s fervent followers led by Ian. What unfolds is a grim spectacle as Ian, driven by dreadful joy, brutally executes Bahri in a horrific display of power. In the nick of time, Budiman intervenes, unleashing chaos through gunfire and providing the fleeting chance of escape. Wisnu uses his sign language for a desperate plea while Rini acts swiftly to incapacitate Ian. Amidst the chaos, they successfully break free via boat, where Budiman reveals the shocking history tethering Bahri to the cult — a web of manipulation and forced compliance with the Indonesian government, all initiated by Mawarni’s ominous promise of fame.
The subsequent day, Darminah and husband Batara arrive at Mandara, visibly disheartened for having missed the night’s grim rituals. Nonetheless, Batara reassures his wife that everything transpired perfectly, as evidenced by a photograph adorning the wall that depicts them alongside other dignitaries from the influential 1955 Bandung Conference, bearing testimony to their uncanny youthfulness.
Satan's Slaves: Communion Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Budiman's Urgent Summons” to “The Aftermath”. 10 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Budiman's Urgent Summons
In the year 1955, seasoned journalist Budiman Syailendra receives an urgent call to attend to a peculiar phenomenon at Bosscha Observatory. Accompanied by police commander Heru, they face a chilling discovery of exhumed corpses lying in front of a portrait of the enigmatic Mawaran.
When:1955 Where:Bosscha Observatory
- 2
The Chilling Discovery
The multitude of corpses raises alarms, and Heru is tasked with keeping this discovery under wraps to protect the nation's reputation ahead of the significant Bandung Conference. Heru convinces Budiman to reveal the truth through unconventional means, signaling the start of their tumultuous journey.
- 3
Struggles at Mandara Apartments
Fast forward to 1984, where Rini and her brothers, Toni and Bondi, struggle to make ends meet in the dilapidated Mandara Apartments. Their father, Bahri, remains a mystery as he juggles odd jobs while hiding secrets within a briefcase.
When:1984 Where:Mandara Apartments, Jakarta
- 4
Budiman's Disturbing Package
Now editor-in-chief of an occult magazine, Budiman receives a cryptic package containing a suicide note from Heru. The package includes unsettling photographs and drawings that hint at cult activities connected to the Mandara Apartments.
- 5
Lift Malfunction Tragedy
A malfunctioning lift at Mandara Apartments leads to a catastrophic event, claiming numerous lives amidst the chaos. As rainstorms inundate the building, Rini provides comfort to Wisnu, a boy who has lost his mother in the disaster.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 6
Wisnu's Secret Language
During their shared grief, Wisnu reveals a secret sign language he learned from an occult book that allowed him to communicate with his mother. This connection exemplifies their bond as they navigate the chaos of the flooding.
- 7
Supernatural Disturbances Begin
As flooding stirs dark forces, supernatural disturbances start to torment the residents of Mandara Apartments. The power grid fails, increasing the panic among the tenants trapped within the ominous structure as they search for answers.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 8
Bondi's Discovery
Bondi and his friends stumble upon haunting photographs in the building manager's apartment. These photos reveal chilling truths about a cult congregation that occurs every 29 years on April 17th, with that fateful date ominously approaching.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 9
Toni's Hidden Truths
Toni discovers a hidden room that contains unsettling details about their deceased mother, Mawarni. This revelation ties her to a dark alter ego named Raminom, triggering fragmented memories in Rini of her mother’s transformation through music.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 10
Opening the Briefcase
Desperate for answers, Rini finally opens Bahri's briefcase, revealing severed fingers that hint at his occult connections. This ghastly discovery raises the stakes as the siblings recognize the danger they are in.
Show the other 5 events of Satan's Slaves: Communion Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Ian's Abduction
The siblings ascend to the top floor, only to discover that Ian, their youngest brother, has been taken by the cult. Wisnu's sign language allows Ian to recognize them, bringing a glimmer of hope amid the escalating terror.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 12
The Return of the Dead
The eerie tranquility of Mandara is shattered by the alarming return of the dead, as Raminom leads a chaotic pursuit targeting Rini and her siblings. Their attempt to escape reveals the true horror as Bahri confronts the cult's followers.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 13
Bahri's Fatal Encounter
In a horrific climax, Ian brutally kills Bahri in front of his siblings, demonstrating the cult's terrifying grip. The situation escalates until Budiman intervenes with gunfire, offering them a fleeting chance at escape from the impending doom.
Where:Mandara Apartments
- 14
A Narrow Escape
In the ensuing chaos, the siblings manage to escape via boat, where Budiman reveals the dark history linking Bahri to the cult. This connection sheds light on the manipulation and trauma that has shaped their family’s fate.
- 15
The Aftermath
The following day, Darminah and her husband Batara arrive at Mandara, lamenting the rituals they missed. Batara reassures her, revealing a photograph from the Bandung Conference that depicts them in their youthful prime, hinting at their dark ties with the past.
Where:Mandara Apartments
Who Are the Main Characters in Satan's Slaves: Communion?
4 characters, among them Budiman Syailendra (Egy Fedly), Rini (Tara Basro) and Wisnu (Muzakki Ramdhan): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- BS
Budiman Syailendra (Egy Fedly)
Played by Egy Fedly
Budiman is a seasoned newspaper journalist drawn into a web of mystery and occult activities. His commitment to uncovering the truth reflects his strong moral compass, as he balances personal and professional obligations amidst supernatural chaos.
- 📰 Journalist
- 🔍 Truth-Seeker
- R(
Rini (Tara Basro)
Played by Tara Basro
Rini is a determined and resilient young woman struggling to provide for her family amidst terrifying circumstances. Her emotional journey reveals depths of strength and vulnerability as she copes with the loss and the unfolding supernatural events.
- 💪 Survivor
- ❤️ Family
-
Wisnu (Muzakki Ramdhan)
Played by Muzakki Ramdhan
Wisnu is a sensitive young boy who experiences immense grief after losing his mother. His use of sign language reveals his unique connection to the supernatural world and showcases his ability to communicate beyond words, making him a pivotal character in the unfolding events.
- 👦 Grief-Stricken
- 🕊️ Innocent
- BS
Bahri Suwono (Bront Palarae)
Played by Bront Palarae
Bahri is a mysterious figure who navigates odd jobs while keeping a dark secret tied to the occult. His character arc reveals the burdens of his past and his connection to the cult’s sinister activities, creating a layered and tragic persona.
- 🕴️ Father
- 🥷 Secretive
Where and When Is Satan's Slaves: Communion Set?
Satan's Slaves: Communion is set in Bosscha Observatory, Mandara Apartments and Jakarta (1955, 1984). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1955, 1984
The movie spans two critical years, with 1955 marked by the significant Bandung Conference, where political leaders gathered to discuss issues of national importance. In contrast, 1984 showcases a declining Jakarta, with societal challenges reflected in the struggles of the protagonists living in a dilapidated apartment building amidst unfolding eerie events.
Where
Bosscha Observatory, Mandara Apartments, Jakarta
Bosscha Observatory is a well-known astronomical research facility in Indonesia, serving as a backdrop to a chilling discovery that sets the tone for the film. Mandara Apartments, located in Jakarta, represent a decaying structure rife with supernatural occurrences and dark secrets, becoming a central hub for the film's unfolding events.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏚️ Haunted Building
What Are the Themes of Satan's Slaves: Communion?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Supernatural, Family Trauma and Truth vs. Secrecy.
-
01
Supernatural
The movie delves deeply into supernatural elements, exploring the haunting influence of a cult and the malevolent forces that emerge from its dark history. The characters grapple with the spectral legacy of their past, making the supernatural a critical element of their survival and personal discovery.
-
02
Family Trauma
Family dynamics are tested amidst deadly revelations and tragic losses, highlighting themes of trauma and the impact of secrets among loved ones. The characters must confront their shared past, and the struggle to rebuild family bonds is essential as they navigate through life-altering tragedies.
-
03
Truth vs. Secrecy
The relentless pursuit of the truth, despite the dangers of uncovering dark secrets, underscores the narrative. Characters face ethical dilemmas about revealing truths that could tarnish reputations, portraying a struggle between journalistic integrity and the personal costs of such revelations.
What Kind of Film Is Satan's Slaves: Communion?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A dread-filled and claustrophobic horror film that steadily builds oppressive tension as a family uncovers a dark occult conspiracy spanning decades, set against a backdrop of profound grief and supernatural terror.
- claustrophobic
- ominous
- grief-stricken
- suspenseful
- paranoid
- dread-filled
- supernatural horror
- occult conspiracy
- generational trauma
- family secrets
Content notes: mass death, child endangerment, domestic abuse, suicide, cult violence, corpse desecration.
Quiz
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