Mat Toyol

For selfish and petty gains, the village head enlists the help of the medicine man to conjure a toyol (child spirit) for him to own. However, the medicine man constantly fails in his concoctions. They hear rumours of Mat possessing the ability to conjure toyols and decide to take advantage of him, recruiting Mat as the medicine man’s assistant to do the hard work. Meanwhile, the medicine man’s wife who is frustrated with her husband’s failures, leaves home to reclaim a dark heritage of her own. As Mat seeks the secret ingredient for the concoction, he experiences hysterical encounters with the world of black magic, witches, talking animals and dancing skeletons.

Directed by Mat Sentol, Mat Toyol leans on a strong ensemble — Mat Sentol, Omar Hitam, Momo Latiff — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1969.