By Chainarong Monthienvichienchai
THAILAND – In a surprising yet inspiring cross-cultural encounter, a Thai Catholic priest has commended Kuasa Gelap (Dominion of Darkness), an Indonesian horror film centered on Christian exorcism, for its respectful and faith-filled portrayal of the Catholic Church in the heart of the world’s largest Muslim nation.
Fr Joseph Anucha Chaiyadej, Executive Director of Catholic Social Communication of Thailand (CSCT), shared his thoughtful review on social media and in a personal interview on Jul 4, inviting fellow Catholics to approach the film not just as entertainment but as an opportunity to reflect on faith, doubt, and the power of God at work—even in secular media.
“As a media person and a Catholic priest, I was intrigued,” Fr Anucha told LiCAS News. “I wondered how a story about Christian exorcism would be presented in Indonesia, where Christianity is not the majority faith. Would it honor the sacredness of our Church and our rites? I am pleased to say the film handles these with surprising reverence.”
Released in 2024, Kuasa Gelap tells the story of Father Thomas, a priest on the brink of abandoning his vocation after enduring personal tragedy and a profound crisis of faith.
His path is redirected when he encounters a case of demonic possession at a local school, leading him to collaborate with Father Rendra, an experienced exorcist. Together, they confront the forces of darkness—both external and within.
Fr Anucha noted a providential detail: the film’s main character bears the name Thomas — a name synonymous in Christian tradition with the Apostle who doubted but ultimately made the resounding confession, “My Lord and my God.”
Continue reading in LiCAS.news.
