“Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams” is a series created by Joko Anwar starring Ario Bayu, Lukman Sardi, Asmara Abigail, and others.
Netflix’s latest horror anthology, “Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams,” is a compelling collection of seven horror narratives, meticulously curated by the celebrated storyteller, Joko Anwar. The series features an impressive cast, including Ario Bayu, Lukman Sardi, Asmara Abigail, among others.
Coming from Joko Anwar, the known creator of hair-raising stories, this compilation of seven terror tales will inevitably invite comparisons with the version by Guillermo del Toro. However, this new compilation has its distinctive personality, skillfully traversing different atmospheres and societal classes. A fresh terror proposal awaits your viewing pleasure on Netflix, where we delve into a senior citizen’s asylum, encounter a family adopting a child, or learn about the trials of a novel writer.
Interestingly, all narratives share a common thread – at some point, they nudge our consciousness towards social justice, class disparities, and the like. It boasts some well-executed shots, and a few of the stories exude intriguing concepts. The production quality, albeit not comparable to Guillermo del Toro’s technical brilliance, is commendable, elevating previous Indonesian productions.
“Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams” encapsulates some fresh plots that may appeal to horror enthusiasts. However, it isn’t a series set to capture universal acclaim. It flaunts many elements perceived as grotesque by some viewers and isn’t a series for all viewers. It caters primarily to the admirers of horror cinema as opposed to classical cinema enthusiasts.
While it may lack the extravagance of effects or grand production, the series holds its ground owing to the unique ideas of each episode and the fact that the stories bear no resemblance to each other. It may not top the list of the best horror series on Netflix, and you might miss Hollywood’s technical finesse, but it promises an intriguing option for a springtime Friday, allowing you to reconsider seeing the light anew.
