Somewhere deep in the woods of Japan, a Yakuza leader tries to abuse a geisha when something lurking in the shadows suddenly pops up and brings him to his demise in less time than it took him to take off his robe. With this scene alone, you can imagine that the Indonesian action film The Shadow Strays is a spectacle from start to finish. I’ve never seen the film The Raid, but when I think of Indonesian cinema, that’s the first film that pops into my head, and because of that, I already know that they stand a class apart when it comes to action films. Funny how my introduction to Indonesian films has been through horror, but I’m happy to have finally moved on and actually found something that’s worth your time. Before you go any further into this review, I want to emphasize that this film is tremendously gory and not for the faint of heart. It’s a highly stylized thriller with barely any breaks, and over 2 hours at that, so if bloodshed is not your thing, then I’d tell you to turn around right now because you’re barely going to be able to sit through even 5 minutes of this film.
With that disclaimer out of the way, The Shadow Strays tells the story of 13, a young assassin who’s told to take a break after she messes up on her first mission and is sent back to Jakarta. 13 meets a young boy named Monji there, and without really forming a bond, when his mother is killed, 13 takes it upon herself to protect the boy and keep him safe from any harm, even if that means facing the most immoral syndicates in the city. Overkill is the only word I can use for director Timo Tjahjanto’s style. It’s a shame really that I haven’t watched any of the man’s previous work to make comparisons to, because this film oozes stylization that’s beyond explanation. I’m not even a big fan of action myself, but just seeing how certain action sequences are choreographed had my jaw on the floor, and some of the kills had me turning away. This is clearly a stylistic choice though, lingering when the audience expects the camera to move on. Of course, it’s not new; recently, a lot of horror films have done the same thing. I recently watched In a Violent Nature, and still, I could easily say this film is one of the goriest I’ve ever seen. I suppose it’s the difference in genre that really makes it stand out. Even John Wick looks unworthy in comparison.
Now if you’re wondering why a film with such a simple story requires a 2-and-a-half-hour runtime, then I’ll be happy to let you know it’s for prolonged action sequences that move at the pace of the KTX, so in no way will you feel the runtime while the action is taking place. However, there’s something I’d like to point out that kind of messes with the otherwise fast pace of the movie. While the film is generally focused on 13’s story, this is the perfect kind of movie that can be turned into a franchise, so for the world-building, we’re introduced to some other plot lines that completely steal away from the main plot, like a fly that’s bothering you while you’re trying to eat a good meal.
If you’re looking for emotional investment, then find a different bank, because this one’s only doing kill counts. I mean, sure, the whole point of the film is for 13 to find her place in this terrifying world. I guess that’s where it lost me a little bit. I mean, it’s not a new story, and we don’t really delve into it at all, despite the 2.5-hour runtime, so there’s a sort of emotional disconnect between us as an audience and the character, who is making some seriously insane life choices based on said emotions. However, this is my little critique as an emotional girl who likes to cry every chance she gets. On the other hand, if you just care for the gore and the violence and all of the many creative ways someone can be killed, then by all means this is the movie for you.
Aurora Ribero stars as the stoic 13, and she does a fantastic job in keeping the character distant, a little bit brazen (or a lot), and of course, the action sequences are insane. Hana Prinatana is alongside her as Umbra, the strict instructor, who gets sidelined in the middle of the film and then reunites with her pupil right at the end. I think she’s underutilized for sure. There could’ve been more about this sisterhood and how these emotionless women are trained to keep everything at bay to essentially become monsters. But I guess that’s what sequels and prequels are for. For the rest of the cast, they’re barely in the film, especially the villains. Yes, there are many, and I really don’t appreciate having to watch a scene of abuse because, in this day and age, it feels incredibly regressive and unnecessary. Anyway, Aurora is the star of this film, and one can very clearly see that while watching it.
Yes, there’s a “post-credit” scene in The Shadow Strays, though just seeing the director’s title card show up before the scene makes it seem almost disrespectful to be calling it a “post-credit” scene. I’m guessing this means Timo Tjahjanto plans on making this a massive franchise, an Indonesian action franchise that takes the world by storm just like The Raid did back in the day (I know, it wasn’t that long ago, but hey, I was still basically a child, so it’s fine). Anyway, if you’re looking for something that’s action-packed from start to finish and will blow your mind with its gore and violence, then this is the film for your weekend watchlist. If that’s not your thing, I’d say “stray” away from The Shadow Strays. I’m sure we can find something more attuned to your tastes. I’d give The Shadow Strays 3 out of 5 stars; I’d have given it another .5 had it been a little more tightly packed, but here we are.
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