Cthulhu, Krampus, and a Host of Other Sinister Creatures on Screen
Alongside various spiritual entities, sinister creatures have also been successfully explored on the big screen in the horror genre. Throughout cinematic history, many malevolent beings have been brought to life by filmmakers, leaving a deep and lasting impression over the years.
In the 1999 film Sleepy Hollow, starring Johnny Depp and directed by Tim Burton, audiences were introduced to the supernatural tale of the Headless Horseman, based on Washington Irving’s classic story about Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. This character is a haunting figure originating from the Middle Ages, depicted as a headless rider on a dark horse.
In the folklore of Central Europe, the Christmas demon Krampus is also widely recognized. Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon creature resembling those found in Greek mythology, adorned with long horns and dark fur. Krampus gained popularity among audiences through Universal’s film Krampus: The Christmas Devil.
And of course, we cannot overlook the ancient cosmic entity, Cthulhu, the main character from H.P. Lovecraft’s short story The Call of Cthulhu. Cthulhu is depicted as a monstrous being combining elements of an octopus, a dragon, and a human. First introduced in 1929, Cthulhu has since appeared in various adaptations, including the popular game Dungeons & Dragons, as well as numerous films and other games. Soon, James Wan will direct a new horror movie centered around this terrifying creature.
“The Queen of Death” Making Waves in Indonesian Cinema
In 2023, the Southeast Asian film The Queen of Death achieved remarkable success, grossing over 3 million tickets sold, topping the box office charts in Indonesia.
The Queen of Death is based on a chilling tale that unfolds in a social media context, inspired by the diary of a girl named Nadia. Her family faces horrifying events after her father performs sinister rituals, leading to the story of the supernatural entity known as the Queen of Death.
The tale begins on New Year’s Eve in 2002, when Nadia’s mother unexpectedly becomes a powerful force after a period of battling a severe illness. However, just as the new year dawns, she tragically ends her life in front of her family. The family’s misfortune starts from this point.
Years later, Nadia and her brother Yoga live in constant fear of their father. He frequently enters a hidden room in their house, always bringing along a black goat. One night, the siblings witness a horrifying event in that room. Yoga also met a tragic end on New Year’s Eve in 2012, exactly ten years after their mother’s death.
On her quest for the truth, Nadia begins to uncover the shocking reality of her father’s dealings with the Queen of Death. He seems to have made a dark pact, using the goats as a means to restore his lost youth, all the while knowing that the Queen of Death would eventually come back to claim her due from his family. Thus, Nadia and her father must fight against the sinister forces to escape the grip of the Queen of Death.
The Queen of Death leaves a strong impression by exploring the theme of “revenge” with various graphic depictions of horror. The imagery of the Queen of Death and the sinister creatures in the film is vividly portrayed, creating an eerie atmosphere for viewers. Following the success of The Queen of Death, audiences are eager to see more films that delve deeper into the lore of the Queen of Death and her realm.
THE QUEEN OF DEATH is currently still showing in theaters.
