What makes a horror film stay with you long after the credits roll?
On this episode of TheGoodCastShow, filmmaker Zulkarnain Azhar joins Vinodh Rajendran to discuss Polong—the Malaysian horror film inspired by dark folklore, real-life stories and the fears that linger in our imagination.
Zulkarnain shares how classic horror shaped his filmmaking, what happened during the shoot at an abandoned house, and why he chose a slow-burn approach over predictable scares. He also talks about researching the Mona Fandey case, building relatable characters in extreme situations, and using atmosphere and practical effects to make horror feel grounded.
The conversation explores the line between fear and comedy, the psychology behind why audiences enjoy horror, and the possibility of expanding Polong’s supernatural world in future films.
Polong is available on Netflix. Watch the film, then join the conversation: what makes Malaysian horror truly frightening?
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