The Mortician 

DIRECTOR : GARIN NUGROHO

Logline 

In a Toraja community where death rituals intertwine with daily life, a grief-stricken mother's denial of her autistic son's death clashes with societal pressure, forcing her to choose between tradition and the unconditional love that binds them, even beyond the grave.

Synopsis:

A captivating drama set in the evocative landscapes of Toraja, Indonesia, where ancient traditions and modern realities collide. Bua, a noblewoman, is in deep denial over the death of her autistic son, Allo. Inside their boarded-up home, Bua continues to care for Allo’s body as if he were still alive, cooking his meals and dressing him, creating a chilling illusion of presence that defies tradition and reason.

As Bua retreats further into her private world of mourning, she faces growing pressure from her community, led by Pak Yatim, to perform the elaborate Rambu Solo death rituals – a Torajan tradition believed to guide Allo's soul to Puya, the afterlife. Bua resists, clinging to her belief that Allo is merely sick, not dead. This defiance leads to ostracization from the community, unsettling encounters with Allo that reveal the depth of her denial, and escalating tensions as her nephew reminds her of the exorbitant cost of the ritual she refuses to undertake.

Torn between her fierce love for Allo and the weight of Torajan tradition, Bua must confront her grief and decide whether to release her son's spirit, as custom dictates, or hold onto a love that transcends even death. As the line between reality and illusion blurs, she is forced to open up the window and realize Allo must leave. 

"The Mortician" is a powerful exploration of love, grief, tradition, and the extraordinary strength required to honor the unique spirit of a child, even in the face of incomprehensible loss.

Genre : Family Psycho-Drama

Director : Garin Nugroho

Writer : Tiffany Tarvenier

Producer : Christine Hakim, Tussy Hapsari, Adila Suwarmo, Desi Harahap

Cast: Christine Hakim, Reza Rahardian

Status : Completed 2025- Coming soon In Cinema 2026

Language : Indonesian with English subtitle.