A new action film by the renowned Timo Tjahjanto has premiered on Netflix today, sparking discussions that it surpasses the violence of Terrifier 3. Titled The Shadow Strays, this film is capturing audiences’ attention for its intense sequences.
While Tjahjanto may not yet be a widely recognized name, he stands out as a pioneering and skilled director within the action film landscape. His 2018 release, The Night Comes For Us, is considered one of the greatest action films of all time. Additionally, his collaboration on the V/H/S 2 segment, Safe Haven, with Gareth Evans, offers a shocking visual experience that must be witnessed to be believed.
Tjahjanto is now taking a step into Hollywood, as he gears up to direct Bob Odenkirk in Nobody 2, set to hit theaters in August 2025.
However, before that anticipated release, his latest Indonesian action offering is now available on Netflix. The Shadow Strays is already garnering comparisons to iconic films like John Wick and The Raid, with claims that its violence rivals the antics of Terrifier 3’s Art the Clown.
The film’s official synopsis reads: “Driven by her desire to rescue a young boy, a highly trained assassin known as codename 13 confronts anyone who obstructs her path, including her mentor and the organization known as The Shadow.”
On Reddit, audiences describe The Shadow Strays as a “spiritual sequel” attempting to outdo the extreme violence found in The Night Comes For Us. One fan remarks, “Although the trailer appears subdued, it’s strategically hiding the more intense moments. Expect a straightforward action flick reminiscent of John Wick and The Raid, but with each kill showcasing slasher-level gore effects; we’re talking about hundreds of brutal fatalities.”
Initial reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. The AV Club remarks that “Tjahjanto excels in crafting imaginative methods of homicide and dismemberment, delivering them at a relentless pace that almost begs for a 3D viewing experience.”
SlashFilm describes The Shadow Strays as a “gore-soaked masterpiece,” noting that “the climactic fight scene leaves the fighters so drenched in blood and dirt, you might feel compelled to hand them a bar of soap and a hose.”
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