*Muhamad Gibraltar, Hamedi Mohd Adnan, Mohamad Saleeh Rahamad

Abstract:

Movie scenes reflect a society’s sociological perspectives, including the dynamic relationship between dominant myths and counter-myths. Sociologically, there are some Indonesians who still believe in and practise counter-myths, including witchcraft and supernatural beliefs (animism and dynamism), while still believing in dominant myths like Islamic teachings. Based on this assumption, this study semiotically examines the references found in the scenes of three contemporary Indonesian horror movies (Pengabdi Setan, Suzanna: Bernapas Dalam Kubur, and Sebelum Iblis Menjemput Ayat 1) that reflect dominant myths and counter-myths. These horror movies contain scenes consisting of both dominant myths and counter-myths that stand for themselves as well as reconcile with each other dialectically. One main purpose for this study is to extend semiotics from its conventional roles to an academic tool that can map the contemporary sociological trends that take place in a society.

Keywords: Counter-myth, dominant myth, motives, dialectical reconciliation, and sociological reflection