Once upon a time in Java, a young woman trains as a gowok—a revered guide employed by royalty to prepare grooms for marital duties. As she instructs her first pupil, love disrupts the delicate balance of gender politics, power dynamics, and cherished traditions. Inspired by centuries-old erotic teachings from the Serat Centhini, this visually lush drama examines sensuality, patriarchy, and personal agency in 1960s Indonesia. Lavish costumes, evocative settings, and poetic eroticism enrich this daring tale, which escalates into melodramatic, operatic horror. Boldly confronting women's sacred yet suppressed roles and tradition’s fragility amid change, Gowok masterfully explores the complexities of desire and societal expectations.