‘The Shadow Strays’ Netflix Movie Review - A Brutal, Stylish Actioner that Thrives in Chaos

Timo Tjahjanto's The Shadow Strays is not for the faint-hearted, but if you’re into action that’s as visceral as it is relentless, this Netflix release will hook you from the opening scene. The film kicks off with an assassination attempt that ends in blood-soaked failure, setting the tone for the chaos that follows. At the heart of the film is 13 (played by Aurora Ribero), a teenage assassin trying to prove her worth after a failed mission in Japan. She gets suspended and relocated to Jakarta, where she’s tasked with laying low—a directive she quickly disregards when she becomes embroiled in the plight of Monji, a young boy who has lost his mother to a local crime syndicate.

From the get-go, The Shadow Strays delivers on its promise of unrelenting, high-stakes action. The fight choreography is top-notch, with bone-crunching, blood-splattering scenes that don’t shy away from violence. What sets Tjahjanto’s direction apart is the weight behind the action. You can feel every punch, every blade slice, and every desperate move 13 makes to stay alive. The sheer intensity is thrilling, and Ribero’s performance shines, adding depth to what could easily have been a one-dimensional character. She infuses 13 with enough vulnerability and grit to keep us rooting for her, even as she slashes her way through wave after wave of enemies.

The bond between 13 and Monji is another unexpected highlight of the film. While their relationship develops in a whirlwind of bullets and bloodshed, it provides the emotional core that balances out the carnage. Ribero and Ali Fikry (Monji) share a natural chemistry, and their scenes together offer brief but poignant respites from the constant mayhem. The film also hints at a larger world of assassins and syndicates, teasing potential for sequels—though whether or not that pans out is anyone’s guess.

While the action in The Shadow Strays is undeniably engaging, the film does run into a bit of a pacing problem. At just over two hours, the movie stretches its runtime with sequences that, while visually stunning, can feel repetitive. There are only so many times you can watch 13 take down waves of enemies before the novelty starts to wear thin. The film’s minimal plot also doesn’t help here. The story is straightforward—perhaps too much so—and after the initial setup, it doesn’t offer many surprises. For all the adrenaline-pumping action, there are moments where the film feels like it’s spinning its wheels, delaying the inevitable final showdown.

Another minor drawback is the film’s reliance on shock value. Tjahjanto is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to violence, and while that’s part of the appeal, it can sometimes feel excessive. The relentless gore might leave some viewers desensitized by the end, and the emotional stakes, while present, aren’t enough to fully offset the film’s brutal, hyper-violent nature.

In the end, The Shadow Strays succeeds in what it sets out to do: deliver a non-stop, ultra-violent action experience with a bit of heart. Aurora Ribero proves herself a formidable action star, and Tjahjanto once again showcases his knack for staging visceral, high-octane fight scenes. The film may not be for everyone—particularly those who prefer their action flicks with a bit more narrative complexity—but for fans of pure, adrenaline-fueled cinema, it’s a wild ride worth taking. Just be prepared for the chaos. Overall, if you’re in the mood for a film that prioritizes style and intensity over plot, The Shadow Strays won’t disappoint.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times