Analysis of the Moral Message in the Film "AGAK LAEN" Ferdinand De Saussure's Semiotic Theory

Abstract

Film is an audiovisual medium that plays an important role in conveying ideas, stories and messages effectively. Elements such as storyline, characters, dialogue, cinematography, and sound collaborate to create specific genres, such as drama, comedy, or horror, that serve not only as entertainment but also as informative, educational, and persuasive tools. Films have great ability to convey moral messages, propaganda, and guide public opinion regarding political, economic and cultural issues (Khairunnisa, 2020), influencing the character, attitudes and behavior of the audience through visual and auditory power (Mudjiono, 2011). This research focuses on the semiotic analysis of the film "Agak Laen," an Indonesian horror-comedy film which became the second best-selling film in 2024. Using Ferdinand De Saussure's semiotic approach, this research explores the signs (signifiers) and the meanings contained ( signified) in the film. This film tells the story of the friendship of four characters who are trapped in a complex situation in a haunted house, which then goes viral on social media. The horror-comedy genre in Indonesia has a unique appeal because it combines local myths and legends with refreshing humor. The aim of this research is to reveal hidden meanings in the film "Agak Laen" using semiotic theory, as well as to contribute to the study of film semiotics through a descriptive qualitative approach.