Warning: HBO's FOLKLORE Brings Asian Horrors

Horror movie fans will love HBO Asia’s newest – and first ever – horror anthology, premiering this October.

Entitled “Folklore”, this spooktacular series spans 6 episodes, filmed in 6 different countries, by 6 different directors, and will run for 6 Sundays starting October 7.

All from the home of the most terrifying horror movies - Asia, the anthology includes the brilliant works of Joko Anwar from Indonesia, Takumi Saitoh from Japan, Lee Sang-Woo from South Korea, Ho Yuhang from Malaysia, Eric Khoo from Singapore, and Pen-Ek Ratanaruang from Thailand.

Each episode’s horror story will stem from each country’s deeply-rooted superstitions and myths, in a bid to modernize and update Asian horror. They’ll be exploring the societal dysfunctions in a manner specific to these respective countries, while still possessing widely relatable themes. Furthermore, each episode will be aired in each country’s local language (with English subtitles), making them even more culturally immersive and authentic.

Here’s what to expect in every episode:

A Mother’s Love – Indonesia

October 7 | 10PM

A single mother and her young son discover a group of dirty and underfed children living in a mansion’s attic. Upon saving them and returning them to their families, she has unknowingly snatched these children from their adopted mother – Wewe Gombel – and must now beware her vengeful wrath.

Behind the Lore: A towering and demonic figure, Wewe Gombel is a female spirit who is desperate to be a mother. Where a child is mistreated or neglected by their parents, the Wewe would prey on the frayed relationship, seeking to kidnap the child and care for them as one of her very own.

Tatami – Japan

October 14 | 10PM

A murder scene writer returns home to attend his father’s funeral and begins to experience constant flashbacks of his childhood. He then discovers a secret door in the house that leads to a room that hides a horrifying secret from his family’s past.

Behind the Lore: A tatami is a straw mat used as flooring material in traditional Japanese rooms. It is said to retain the sentiments of its users, both positive and negative. It is such that the grudge of its owners may dwell within the tatami, manifesting itself as a haunting spirit.

Nobody - Singapore

October 21 | 10PM

A Pontianak, the vengeful spirit of a woman who died during childbirth, is awakened when a foreman and a construction worker attempt to bury the body of a dead girl instead of burning her. A series of unfortunate events begin to occur at the construction site.

Behind the Lore: Often blaming men for the loss of her child, the Pontianak attracts her male victims by transforming into a beautiful woman, before viciously killing them by gouging out their bodily organs. As legend has it, one may defend themselves against a Pontianak by thrusting a nail into the nape of her neck.

POB – Thailand

October 28 | 10PM

A journalist meets with Pob, a Thai ghost, who confesses to a murder. Finally finding an outlet for complaint, Pob explains how the murder happened and requests for his story to be published. However, the journalist declines and the two make a deal of a lifetime.

Behind the Lore: The Pob ghost is a cannibalistic spirit that devours human viscera. In Thai society, it is common place for people to bribe the Pob ghost, striking a “deal of a lifetime”. For example, in exchange for honouring the living memory of a loved one, the Pob ghost may return the favour by saving the life of a loved one or gifting them winning lottery numbers.

Toyol – Malaysia

November 4 | 10PM

A Member of Parliament (MP) of a fishing town turns to a mysterious woman who possesses shamanistic powers in order to salvage his town’s dire economic situation. She fixes all his problems and the two soon become lovers. However, the woman has a dark secret that threatens to destroy his life

Behind the Lore: Commonplace in Malay folklore, a Toyol has the stature and look of a new-born baby but with a large head, blood-red eyes and rows of sharp teeth. A Toyol may be summoned from a dead fetus, with the use of black magic. It is often used for selfish or petty gains, exacting the mischief of its owner. Through special rituals, the Toyol can be made powerful, and is known to sabotage or even murder the enemies of its owner. The summoning of a Toyol can extract a terrible cost and should not be trifled with.

Mongdal – Korea

November 11 | 10PM

A mother tries to appease the moods and demands of her borderline psychopathic son. When a new girl comes to town, her son falls quickly and deeply for the new girl and is determined to win her over possibly even against her will. When things take a tragic turn, his mother will stop at nothing to make her son happy even if it means finding a bride to join him in the afterlife.

Behind the Lore: The Mongdal is a bachelor ghost. Having never been married during his lifetime the Mongdal carries an unsettled soul which can only find peace upon marrying the spirit of a virgin girl. In his desperate search for a virgin bride, the Mongdal is even known to kill young women.To rest its spirit and allow it to move on from the mortal realm, an ancient shaman ritual must be performed to unite the two spirits, allowing them a happy marriage in the afterlife.

Be the first to see “Folklore” as it premieres on October 7, 10:00PM on HBO, and enjoy new horrific thrills every Sunday night. Stream it on any device, in broad daylight or under dimmed lights, with HBO GO.

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2018 HBO Pacific Partners, v.of. FOLKLORE is a service mark of HBO Pacific Partners, v.o.f. Used with permission. Property of HBO Pacific Partners,v.o.f. Sale, recording, duplication, distribution and another use is unauthorized and strictly prohibited.