Based on the novel Leák Ngakak by Putra Mada, the film stars Ilona Agathe Bastian, Yos Santo, Sofia W.D., and W.D.

The film borrows elements from Southeast Asian folklore and Balinese mythology, including the Penanggalan[4] and the Leyak[5] respectively (the Leyak being Balinese, the Penanggalan being from Malaysian ghost myths), entities which have in common that they take the form of flying heads with innards still attached.

Catherine "Cathy" Kean is a foreign anthropologist[a] who travels to Bali to write a book about black magic.

After attending a ceremonial ritual, Mahendra agrees to help Cathy study magic, and they share a kiss as an unknown woman watches from afar.

Cathy's head returns to her body, her illness is cured, and the blood she consumed invigorates the Queen's youthfulness and power.

The unknown woman witnesses Cathy's head flying, and she tells Machesse, who informs his colleagues of the evil and retreats to meditate.

Machesse tells Mahendra that Cathy is no longer the woman he loves, and they bury her body to prevent the head from reattaching.

There are variations of this legend among different cultures, with it being known as a penanggalan in the Malay Peninsula and a krasue in various countries in Mainland Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Cambodia and Laos.

[11] On 16 October and 7 November, Mystics in Bali screened at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in South Lamar, Austin, Texas, where it was presented in "Foleyvision", with live dubbing and sound effects provided by Foley artists.

[12][13] In 2016, the Alamo Drafthouse in South Lamar offered a free double feature screening of Day of Wrath (1943) and Mystics in Bali, in preparation for the release of The VVitch.

[15] John Beifuss of the Star Tribune called Mystics in Bali "a must-see for fans of bizarre, imaginative world cinema.