Shudder is preparing to add another unsettling international horror title to its lineup with Smothered, a new folk horror film produced by acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar.
The recently released trailer teases a tense and atmospheric story rooted in superstition, generational fear, and psychological dread, continuing the growing popularity of folk horror in modern genre cinema. Rather than relying on loud scares, the film appears to focus on slow-building tension and disturbing imagery tied to local mythology.
Set within a remote rural community, Smothered follows a family that becomes entangled in a mysterious curse linked to long-buried secrets. As paranoia and fear spread through the household, the line between inherited trauma and supernatural influence begins to collapse.
Joko Anwar’s involvement immediately gives the project added attention among horror fans. Known for films like Impetigore and Satan’s Slaves, Anwar has become one of the most respected voices in contemporary Asian horror, particularly for his ability to blend emotional storytelling with folklore-driven terror.
The trailer highlights a heavy emphasis on atmosphere, featuring isolated landscapes, ritualistic imagery, and a lingering sense of unease. The film appears to lean fully into the folk horror tradition, where the environment itself feels cursed and inescapable.
Shudder is set to premiere Smothered in May 2026, continuing the platform’s strategy of expanding its international horror catalog with distinctive, auteur-driven projects.
With its eerie visual style, folklore-inspired premise, and strong creative backing, Smothered is already shaping up to be one of the more intriguing horror releases arriving on streaming this spring.
