The Journal: Starting From Research (2026): Cast, Story and

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

The Journal: Starting From Research follows three book writers who spend 30 days researching their friend Fika at her home. Their project begins calmly, but unsettling events and changes in Fika’s behavior raise questions about whether the disturbances are accidental or connected to something more mysterious.

The Journal: Starting From Research is an Indonesian horror film centered on an unusual research project. Three book writers agree to study the life of their friend Fika over 30 days, choosing to stay overnight at her house so their findings can be as accurate as possible.

What begins as a controlled investigation gradually becomes disturbing when strange events occur and Fika’s behavior changes. The film uses that setup to build uncertainty around the house, the research team and the possibility that something is happening beyond coincidence.

The Journal: Starting From Research movie details

Story without spoilers

The story follows three writers who take on a month-long project focused on Fika Adela. Rather than observing her from a distance, they move into her home overnight, creating an intimate setting for their research and placing the group close to every development.

At first, the plan proceeds without major complications. That stability does not last. Strange incidents begin to disrupt the work, while Fika’s behavior shifts in ways the writers cannot easily explain. The central question is whether these events are simply chance or evidence of something concealed beneath the research project.

What to expect

As a horror film, The Journal: Starting From Research is built around an enclosed home setting, a group investigation and growing uncertainty. Its premise places ordinary research methods alongside unexplained events, allowing tension to develop as the writers try to understand what is happening to Fika and around her.

The 30-day structure gives the story a clear period of observation, while the overnight stays keep the researchers directly involved in the situation. Viewers can expect a mystery-driven horror setup in Indonesian, with the film’s focus on changing behavior and unanswered questions rather than a conventional research narrative.

Cast and creative team

Katarina Maya plays Fika Adela, the friend at the center of the research project. The cast also includes Yasya Jazira as Elin, Vito Ardiansyah as Alvin, Dimas Aditya as Tom, Rizaslayy as Ihza, Delvin San as Rama, Elis Nurhalisa as Agen Rumah, Leandy Bryan as Larry, Wamafiati as Mbok Marlini and Hadhana Fathwa as Kimberly.

Dimas Aditya directs and writes the film, and also appears as Tom. The movie is produced by Green Project Production.

• Katarina Maya as Fika Adela
• Yasya Jazira as Elin
• Vito Ardiansyah as Alvin
• Dimas Aditya as Tom
• Rizaslayy as Ihza
• Delvin San as Rama
• Elis Nurhalisa as Agen Rumah
• Leandy Bryan as Larry
• Wamafiati as Mbok Marlini
• Hadhana Fathwa as Kimberly

Release and production context

The Journal: Starting From Research was released on October 9, 2026. It has a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes and is presented in Indonesian. The film is listed as a horror production from Green Project Production.

Production companies: Green Project Production

Movies Dock view

The Journal: Starting From Research offers a focused horror premise built around observation, isolation and uncertainty. By placing its characters inside Fika’s home for a defined 30-day study, the film creates a clear framework for the strange developments that follow without revealing the answers behind them.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb