“The Shadow Strays” is a Netflix thriller movie written and directed by Timo Tjahjanto starring Aurora Ribero, Hana Malasan, Kristo Immanuel, Andri Mashadi, and Ali Fikry.
Timo Tjahjanto returns to the realm of brutal and bloody action in this film that makes no pretense about its intentions. From the very first scene, it sets the tone for a spectacle filled with action, swords, gunfire, and, above all, an overwhelming amount of bloodshed.
If you are a fan of Asian-style brutal action, this film will undoubtedly cater to your tastes. However, be warned: it prioritizes well-choreographed action sequences over a compelling script.
Whether it’s literature or film, preferences vary greatly among audiences. With this in mind, the director has chosen to honor the segment of viewers who revel in brutal and ultra-violent action.
Plot
The narrative centers on a clandestine group that operates outside the law. These assassins are flawless in their execution, carrying out orders from various clans without asking questions. One of the female assassins decides to leave the group, but she soon finds herself a target amidst a war between mafia clans in Jakarta.
About the Film
“The Shadow Strays” has one commendable attribute: it doesn’t deceive anyone. It makes no attempt to appear as an art-house film and doesn’t aspire to change your life. It knows it is a piece of entertainment and consistently acts as such, targeting a specific audience and staying true to its objectives. These objectives are none other than delivering relentless and brutal action, providing one action sequence after another.
For many viewers, especially those who crave a solid storyline and script, the film may prove to be exhausting. “The Shadow Strays” consciously deviates from the path of narrative depth, choosing instead to focus on ultra-violent action and presenting a festival of decapitations, stabbings, kicks, punches, and gunfire.
This is not a film that revolves around its script. Characters are introduced in almost identical manners: a gallery of psychopaths who shoot at each other, with the heroine meting out justice in between. It’s one of those films featuring a lone woman against a thousand rival gangs, showcasing a choreography of violence and gunfire.
While the concept is not groundbreaking, “The Shadow Strays” aims to push it to the extreme, a fact we can appreciate. Thus, “The Shadow Strays” becomes a spectacle for a certain type of audience. However, for those who prefer intelligent dialogue and nuanced plots, it will likely be profoundly uninteresting. There’s no middle ground here; the director chooses his path and remains committed to it until the end of the film.
Our Opinion
The film is intriguing, brutal, and action-packed. It boasts excellent cinematic treatment, impressive editing, and high-quality sound. Visually, there is nothing to criticize about this well-crafted genre piece.
Where to Watch “The Shadow Strays”
