Indonesian Cinema has been quietly churning terrific films across genres be it romance, action, thriller, horror or drama for years. Netflix India has a criminally under-watched library of Indonesian content. Some of our top recommendations are as follows:
The Night Comes For Us (2018)
Genre: Action Thriller
If you’re in a mood to watch a triad slasher film, you’re at the right place. Head straight to watch this Timo Tjahjanto directorial. Make it a point to go in blind. It’s bloody, violent and terrifically entertaining at that.
Headshot (2016)
Genre: Action Drama
Cant get enough of Iko Uwais’ action in Gareth Evans’ The Raid & The Raid 2? Headshot is your next stop. It has got everything the action junkie in you has been craving for. Grab some popcorn and get going.
Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens (2021)
Genre : Comedy Drama
It’s a family weekend. Yaay! look nowhere else if you’re to watch a happy, funny and full of goodness movie with your family. Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens has it’s heart at the right place.
Dilan 1991 (2019)
Genre : Romance
Watch this Indonesian Romance to quench the hopeless romantic in you. A silly, mushy bollywood-esque romance that could end up as a harmless watch after a tough work week.
Aruna & Her Palate (2018)
Genre : Romance/ Buddy Comedy
Now this is one of our top-most recommendations. What if you get a buddy comedy, a road trip movie and so much food all together? Arun & Her Palate will fill your heart and stomach with its goodness and Indonesian cuisines. Not to mention how charming is the lead actor Dian Sastrowardyo!
Crazy Awesome Teachers (2020)
Genre : Comedy
A silly no brainer comedy from Indonesia that would sure tickle your stomach with its exceptional starcast. Very much makes up for a lazy Sunday after-noon watch.
Kartini : Princess of Java (2017)
Genre : Biopic
Kartini is a strong historical statement against Patriarchy. This Indonesian biopic based on Princess Kartini tracks how a woman of nobility battled patriarchal norms to improve education access for women in early 1900s. A powerful Dian Sastrowardyo performance drives the film.
June & Kopi (2021)
Genre: Comedy Drama
Who doesn’t love dogs and a dog-movie? All of us do. June & Kopi is an endearing family drama about an adopted dog and how he adjusts into his newly found home. Please take a bunch of tissues in case if you’re planning to watch.
27 steps of May (2018)
Genre : Drama
A heartbreaking story of a rape survivor’s journey of healing and her father’s struggles to bring his daughter out of the cocoon she built around herself. A gut wrenching slow piece cinema that is bound to break your tear ducts. Watch it only if you can take so much pain for yourself.
One Day We’ll talk about Today (2020)
Genre : Family Drama
An adaptation of the novel ‘ Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini ‘, One Day we’ll talk about Today is a powerful dysfunctional family drama that confronts generational trauma. Make it a point to watch it with your family. The film boasts of some powerful performances from the lead actors too.