Monster Hair Factory film urges public to confront capitalist work system
Director Edwin says his new film ‘Monster Hair Factory’ urges the public to confront capitalist work systems.
“I think we need to occasionally investigate, question whether parts need replacing, whether the oil needs changing, cleaning, or even a revolution or complete overhaul,” Edwin said during an interview in Setiabudi, South Jakarta, on Monday.
Edwin confirmed that the monster in ‘Monster Hair Factory’ symbolises a malevolent capitalist.
“The monster is part of what I believe needs critical examination here—all those involved, whether exploiting or being exploited, they accept and normalise it,” Edwin said.
He cited examples such as workers accustomed to overtime or having to respond to superiors’ messages after work hours.
Such inhumane practices arise because the monster-like system being critiqued is equally present.
Although the film aims to criticise the capitalist system, Edwin strives to present it as an entertaining watch.
Edwin and his team agreed to minimise complex CGI use.
“For us, film is sensory—it should be tangible, visible, audible, even smelly,” Edwin explained, detailing his preference for practical effects.
The use of props such as miniatures, fake blood, and detailed monster hair elicited more authentic emotional responses from actors.
This was confirmed by executive producer Iqbaal Ramadhan, who also stars as character Bona in the film.
Iqbaal explained that practical effects demand high dedication from actors. They must be fully present and respond to real situations on set, rather than acting in front of a green screen.
“There is no room for us to pretend as actors. Our bodies must respond to what is happening before our eyes,” Iqbaal said.
He added that actors face pressure as the entire production team, from production design to gaffer, shares the same vision to create a bold and distinctive horror offering for Indonesia’s film industry.
The film, with the international title “Sleep No More”, has screened at various global festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in February and the Brussels Fantastic Film Festival and Hong Kong International Film Festival in April.
Indonesian film fans can watch “Monster Hair Factory” in cinemas from 4 June 2026.
It is also scheduled to screen at the Fantasia International Film Festival 2026 in Montreal, Canada, in July.