Dimas Rio’s collection of horror short stories, Who’s There?, offers an unsettling journey through Indonesian folklore and modern societal anxieties. Each story is meticulously crafted, providing not only a deeply unnerving experience but also an insightful glimpse into the complexities of Indonesian legends and societal dynamics. Rio’s ability to intertwine the supernatural with the deeply personal results in a truly memorable and haunting read that achieves far more than the average horror story.
Spoiler-Free Plot & Some Musings
The first and titular story, “Who’s There?”, sets a high bar for the collection. It follows Adam, a groom-to-be, on a nightmarish quest to locate his missing fiancée on the eve of their wedding. As a series of disturbing realizations unfold, Rio’s skillful pacing and atmospheric tension ensure that readers are as disoriented and anxious as Adam, before the harrowing realities are revealed. This story deftly establishes Rio’s knack for blending personal dread with supernatural horror, a theme that cleverly ties the entire collection together.
In “The Wandering,” Rio explores the psychological torment of a night security guard haunted one evening by the ghost of a former lover. The narrative expertly combines our common everyday worries with a supernatural twist, highlighting how personal guilt and unresolved emotions can manifest in terrifying ways. The protagonist’s desperation and vulnerability are palpably rendered, creating a poignant yet chilling portrait of loss and regret.
Another compelling story in the collection is “My Heirloom, You’ll Be,” which delves into the life of a young man named Fajar and his love interest, Ambar. Both characters struggle to balance their mothers’ expectations with their own desires. The story intricately weaves themes of familial duty, societal pressure, and personal identity within a framework of eerie and unsettling occurrences. Rio’s portrayal of Fajar’s internal conflict is both empathetic and terrifying, offering a nuanced exploration of how external and internal pressures can culminate in profound horror, leaving readers contemplating the nature of approval and personal fulfillment.
“The Forest Protector,” my favorite story in the collection, examines the relationship between a mother and her son as they grapple with a traumatic event in their lives. This story transcends conventional supernatural horror by addressing deeper themes of grief, memory, and the protective instincts that bind a family together. The shifting POV between mother and son is raw and poignant, revealing how two people can differently perceive the same events, and how traumatic childhood experiences can haunt us for a lifetime. Rio’s ability to create a rich, emotionally charged atmosphere solidifies his talents as a horror writer who can craft unnerving, horrific tales without solely relying on the supernatural.
My Take on Who’s There?
Rio’s talent lies in his exceptional character development and his ability to build tension through richly detailed settings. Each character is meticulously fleshed out, with their flaws and fears portrayed with such realism that they practically walk off the page. He employs a cinematic approach in his writing, shifting the camera lens from seemingly normal moments to sudden, uneasy disturbances midway through a line, reminding readers that this is indeed a collection of horror. It is a surprising, dynamic, and immersive reading experience that keeps readers on edge.
Who’s There? is more than just a collection of scary stories; it is a vivid exploration of Indonesian folklore and societal pressures through the lens of psychological and supernatural horror. Dimas Rio’s adept storytelling and nuanced character portrayals create a collection that is both deeply unsettling and profoundly insightful. His ability to blend very real human fears with cultural myths makes this a standout work in contemporary horror literature. For those who appreciate horror that goes beyond the supernatural to explore the depths of human emotion and cultural heritage, Who’s There? is an exceptional and must-read collection.
Rating & Content Warnings
Contains: horror, graphic themes, violence, abuse, self-harm, strong language and mature themes. This collection is recommended for adult readers only.
About The Author Of Who’s There?
Dimas Rio was born in Jakarta, Indonesia He published his first novel, “Dinner with Saucer” in Indonesia in 2006 which was shortlisted in the “Talented Young Writer” category at the 2007 Khatulistiwa Literary Award in Indonesia. “Who’s There? (A Collection of Stories)” is his second published book.
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