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Category: Movies

  • How ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Taps Into Our Nostalgia

    The third movie of the Avatar series, “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” is now playing in theaters worldwide. After a two-year wait, James Cameron is once again pulling us back into the Pandora, and honestly, it feels like coming home. How was it?

    ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ official poster (instagram.com/avatar)

    Building emotional bond

    Beyond the hype, what is it about ‘Avatar’ that keeps fans emotionally locked in after all these years? Is it the world of Pandora, or that nostalgic feeling of being transported somewhere magical all over again?

    The most likely explanation is the huge gap between release dates. Viewers who were kids when they watched the first ‘Avatar’ in 2009 are now coming back to see Jake Sully again in a completely different phase of life. Some might be married, have kids, and are now rewatching a movie they saw back in their childhood.

    ”In certain way, the Avatar franchise works as a powerful hit of nostalgia, especially for those who fell in love with its visuals and the beauty of the world of Na’vi, which they haven’t seen in a long time.”

    ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ storyline

    In this third film, we’ll see Jake and Neytiri’s family dealing with grief after Neteyam’s death. During this time, they encounter a new, more aggressive Na’vi clan: the Ash People, led by the rage-filled Varang.

    The plot feels like a callback. We will see Jake once again having to adapt and rediscover a world he’s actually lived in.

    Worldwide success

    James Cameron’s masterpiece is known as a franchise that consistently rakes in huge profits worldwide. Despite its massive budgets, the ‘Avatar’ franchise remains one of the most stable box- office hits out there.

    Proof of that? ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ has already pulled in $347.2 million in less than a month since its release.

    Even though it’s still far from the previous movies haul, this new movie still has the potential to match. The hype is real on social media, as fans of the franchise, have been eagerly waiting. In Indonesia alone, ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ reportedly hit 1 million viewers in just three days!

    Do you feel like reliving Jake Sully’s adventure on the big screen this time around?

    Read more: Two Sides Collide in ‘The Price of Confession’


  • Two Sides Collide in ‘The Price of Confession’

    Kim Go-eun is back, and this time with a totally different vibe. She stars in ‘The Price of Confession’, a South Korean psychological series directed by Lee Jung-hyo, and yes, it’s already streaming on Netflix. So, what’s the tea? Here’s everything you need to know:

    ‘The Price of Confession’ aired on Netflix (instagram.com/netflixkr)

    Kim Go-Eun goes bald?

    What’s grabbing everyone’s attention in this series isn’t the plot, the cast list, or even the director, it’s Kim Go-eun’s transformation. The actress shows up with a fully shaved head, instantly stealing the spotlight. She plays Mo Eun, a mysterious woman who is currently behind bars.

    The look alone is enough to spark conversation, especially since Go-eun is best known for playing strong, feminine characters. Through this series, we’re about to see a version of her that feels unreadable and unpredictable. Is Mo Eun the villain, or just a morally gray wild card?

    ”Anyway, her character sits at the center of this dark, tension-filled story, and everything seems to revolve around her.”

    Main plot

    This dark thriller-mystery series dives into the shadowy world of a secret deal between An Yoon Soo (Jeon Do-yeon), a teacher, and Mo Eun (Kim Go-eun). They meet in prison for separate cases, but it’s clear they’re actually not a complete strangers.

    Things take a twist when they strike a deal, a pact that walks a thin, dark, and mysterious line, full of unanswered questions. What will happen to them? And how far are they willing to go to keep their secrets?

    Watch ‘The Price of Confession’ on Netflix now!

    Read more: Uncover Celebrities Dark Secret Through ‘Lupa Daratan’

  • Uncover Celebrities Dark Secret Through ‘Lupa Daratan’

    A new must-watch to wrap up the year has just dropped on Netflix. ‘Lupa Daratan’, directed by Ernest Prakasa, takes you straight into the messy, chaotic world of celebrity life. So, how deep does this movie revealing all behind the bright lights and famous faces?

    Vino G. Bastian on ‘Lupa Daratan’ (YouTube.com/Netflix Indonesia)

    Main plot

    Cast as the lead, Vino steps into the role of a famous actor named Vino Agustian, a man at the very peak of his career. Awards, popularity, wealth, he’s got them all. But behind all that success, we’re shown his arrogant, overly confident attitude.

    Just when Vino believes nothing can pull him down from his comfortable life, reality smacks him hard and fast. Right as he’s entrusted with a new film project, Vino suddenly and shockingly loses his ability to act.

    A slap of reality

    Even though the plot might sound like a classic, almost fairytale-like setup: an ordinary guy becomes famous, turns arrogant, gets “cursed,” and falls back to reality, ‘Lupa Daratan’  brings something fresh to the table. The movie gives a peek into how the showbiz world is filled with tricks, games, and deception.

    Beyond that, ‘Lupa Daratan’ also shows how Vino ends up forgetting the person who played the biggest role in his success, his own brother. Their lives are worlds apart, far from what anyone would call ideal. This part of the story hits close to reality, serving as a strong reminder of how easily people forget to be grateful, even to those who helped shape who they are today.

    ”On top of that, Ernest, as the director, infuses sharp satire about the all-too-common “star syndrome” behavior that many celebrities fall into.”

    Available now on Netflix

    The 154-minute film officially premiered on Netflix on December 11, 2025. Here, we get to watch Vino G. Bastian share the screen with fellow actors like Sheila Dara, Dea Panendra, Lukman Sardi, Morgan Oey, and many more. Veteran actor Agus Kuncoro also appears, playing the role of Vino’s older brother.

    So go ahead, watch ‘Lupa Daratan’ and see for yourself how the harsh world of celebrity life is wrapped in a blend of comedy and drama!

    Read more: The Tale Continues in Wicked: For Good

  • The Tale Continues in Wicked: For Good

    After the huge success of last year’s prequel, Glinda and Elphaba are back, bringing all the fun, drama, tears, and the friendship we love in ‘Wicked: For Good’, now playing in theaters. So what kind of magic are they stirring up this time?

    Wicked: For Good official poster (instagram.com/wickedmovie)

    Elphaba’s tragic fate?

    In the first movie, we watched the lovely bond between Glinda (Ariana Grande) a gorgeous, wildly popular witch with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) a witch with a dark past and a look that set her apart from everyone else. Elphaba had spent her whole life feeling like an outcast and useless. However, Glinda showed her that the world could actually be full of joy.

    ”Their friendship then became something warm and genuine… right up until Elphaba was possessed and turned into the Wicked Witch.”

    By the end of the prequel, we were all left wondering what would happen to Elphaba, now seen as the story’s main villain. Would she end up fighting Glinda and terrorizing the city? Or would she somehow return to the Elphaba everyone once knew? 

    ‘Wicked: For Good’ finally gives us the answers, laying out their story with real depth, magic, and emotion.

    Huge enthusiasm from all over the world

    The arrival of ‘Wicked: For Good’ has been eagerly anticipated by fans all around the world. And it’s easy to see why: the prequel pulled in more than $758.7 million (around Rp11.8 trillion) globally. Beyond its massive box-office success, Wicked franchise also became the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical in history.

    Now, we finally get to follow Glinda and Elphaba’s adventure back on the big screen. ‘Wicked: For Good’ officially hits Indonesian theaters starting November 21, 2025.

    Ready to hear Ariana Grande’s magical vocals again?

    Read more: Why ‘The Elixir'(Abadi Nan Jaya) Feels Like a Fresh Apocalypse

  • Why ‘The Elixir'(Abadi Nan Jaya) Feels Like a Fresh Apocalypse

    Zombie-apocalypse theme films often feel very predictable. From the outbreak, the scientists’ warnings, to the inevitable spread that brings about the end of the world. But does The Elixir offer something different?

    ‘The Elixir’ (Abadi Nan Jaya) first look (YouTube.com/Netflix)

    Finally, not a metropolitan sights

    Cities with tall buildings and advanced technology are often the backdrop of zombie films. In The Elixir, we won’t see that (at least for most of the time), because the film is set in a village called Wanirejo. This village still appears lush, with stretching rice fields and friendly, close-knit residents.

    Yet beneath this peaceful setting lurks an ambition that could threaten the world. Sadimin, a middle-aged owner of a failing herbal-medicine factory, clings to his old-fashioned ways and refuses to let the place go. One day, he drinks one of his own concoctions, and suddenly looks younger!

    ”In fact, the liquid turns out to have side effects that make its users instantly lose control, become feral creatures, and take the life of anyone in front of their eyes.”

    Huge step for Indonesia?

    Netflix announced this project in 2024 and entrusted Indonesian director Kimo Stamboel to lead the production. Most of the main cast are well-known Indonesian actors, such as Dimas Anggara, Mikha Tambayong, Donny Damara, Marthinus Lio, etc. This combination of Indonesian talent with international-style production has earned much appreciation.

    After its global release on October 23, 2025, on Netflix, The Elixir reached the number 1 spot in the top movies. This reflects a significant rise in Indonesian cinema, through competition with abroad blockbuster films. It will be interesting to see whether another zombie-apocalypse masterpiece will emerge from the country in the future.

    ”In addition, ‘The Elixir’ also serves as a window for the international audience to see the beauty of Java, such as the landscape, social culture, and the way their people view the world.”

    Read more: No More Haunted House in Agak Laen 2: Menyala Pantiku

  • No More Haunted House in Agak Laen 2: Menyala Pantiku

    We will see Indra Jegel, Oki Rengga, Boris Bokir, and Bene Dion return in this sequel of ‘Agak Laen’. The quartet is ready to make a splash after the huge success of the first movie. But are they stepping into a haunted house once again?

    Agak Laen 2 first look (YouTube.com/Imajinari)

    Different plot and characters

    After reached 9 million viewers for the prequel, ‘Agak Laen’ franchise will return to theaters soon. However, director Muhadkly Acho has prepared plenty of new things. Of course, the original quartet will still be part of the story, but they’ll be playing new characters.

    In this sequel, they are no longer working as nighttime ride attendants. Bene, Boris, Jegel, and Oki are now detectives involved in a mission. The catch? they keep failing at their job.

    ”Until one day, the four detectives are finally given one more chance. Surely, there will be a lot of laughter from these detectives who are supposed to be extremely serious, right?”

    High expectations

    Any successful movie is likely to generate high expectations for its sequel. Like Warkop DKI Reborn, Dilan, and others. Since the main reason is emotional attachment and also opens up new possibilities for “what happens next.”

    However, few sequels didn’t live up to its expectations, as tend to experience drop in viewership. Not sure if there’s any thing such ‘viewers fatigue’ for movies though.

    Meanwhile, the ‘Agak Laen’ production team does not seem burdened by that risk. Under the guidance of experienced like Ernest Prakasa and Muhadkly Acho, the teams move forward with high confidence.

    ‘Agak Laen 2’ release date

    ‘Agak Laen 2’ will be released on November 27, 2025, in theaters across Indonesia. Are you ready to catch up with Jegel, Oki, Boris, and Bene’s new adventure?”

    Read more: One Last Time: Stranger Things 5 Release Details Revealed

  • One Last Time: Stranger Things 5 Release Details Revealed

    Three years after the release of season four, Stranger Things has finally reignited fans’ excitement. Netflix has officially announced season five, along with more details about Eleven and her friends’ adventures. Are you ready to return and see the fate of Hawkins?

    Stranger Things 5 first look (YouTube.com/Netflix and Stranger Things)

    Same familiar names

    The upcoming American science fiction horror series will consist of eight episodes. Intriguingly, the fifth season will be released in three parts. It is bringing the same vibes like season 4 episodes launch format.

    We will see the legendary casts back in action such as Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown), Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) and more. Besides that, the strength of the plot is predicted to remain high with The Ruffo Brothers continuing as producers. We can smell the hype already.

    One last time for Hawkins

    Stranger Things 5 premise will center on Mike and company’s struggle to solve the mystery behind Hawkins and the Upside Down. Because everything was still left unsaid at the end of season 4 when Vecna opened the portal. Vecna actually was the series main villain and a monster with similar abilities as Eleven.

    In the previous season, the Hawkins gang tried to uncover Vecna’s identity. Meanwhile, Eleven worked with Dr. Owens (Paul Reiser) and Dr. Brenner (Matthew Modine) to try to find answers about her powers, which were influenced by her past. Now, in season five, every answer and final battle against Vecna will be very much up for grabs.

    ”As described on Netflix’s official website: The fifth season is all about kill-and-demolish-Vecna kind of mission.”

    Release date

    Stranger Things 5 teaser trailer was released to the internet on July 16, 2025. Three months later, Netflix announced the official trailer that dropped on October 30, 2025. You can see how excited fans are from the 2 minute and 35-second trailer, which has been watched 14 million times on YouTube so far.

    ”Stranger Things 5 is set to release in three parts: Vol. 1 on November 26, 2025, Vol. 2 on December 25, 2025 and the series finale on December 31, 2025.”

    Read more: Reza Rahadian’s Feature Directoral Debut ‘Pangku’

  • Reza Rahadian’s Feature Directoral Debut ‘Pangku’

    Well-known actor Reza Rahadian will return to the big screen in ‘Pangku’ movie. Unlike before, this time he will be behind the scenes as the director. What will it be like?

    Claresta Taufan and Fedi Nuril in ‘Pangku’ movie (YouTube.com/Cinema 21)

    Behind-the-camera Reza Rahadian

    Reza Rahadian will made his directoral debut with ‘Pangku’. This drama movie was adapted from a script written by Reza and Felix K. Nesi. Alongside Felix, Reza also brought in cinematographer Teoh Gay Hian, to strengthen the picture execution.

    ‘Pangku’ tells a story of Sartika (Claresta Taufan), a young woman who is pregnant. She leaves her hometown to change both her and the upcoming baby fate. Sartika eventually travels to Pantura and works as a coffee waitress.

    ”Unfortunately, Sartika was not hired just to serve coffee as usual. She had to do other jobs that should not have been done by a waitress. Until she met Hadi (Fedi Nuril), a truck driver who stopped by at the coffee stall.”

    The main plot of ‘Pangku’ actually was inspired by the real coffee stalls along the Pantura route. These stalls are often used as a place for truck drivers passing by to have sexual services. This is why the term ‘Kopi Pangku’ was created, which means drinking coffee while sitting on the waitress lap.

    Four awards in Busan International Film Festival

    Before hitting theaters, ‘Pangku’ participated in the Busan International Film Festival, from September 17 to September 26, 2025, at the Busan Cinema Center. ‘Pangku’ then won four awards after being screened at the festival. Such appreciation for Reza Rahadian’s drama film certainly indicates that this movie is gonna be special.

    What’s more, the casts lineup quality is also undeniable. We’ll see Fedi Nuril, who is often mentioned as a ‘million view-guarantee’ actor, role-playing with legendary Christine Hakim, who will play the antagonist. Besides that, the compelling inner struggle of the main lead is portrayed perfectly by rising star Claresta Taufan.

    ”Pangku is set to premiere in all theatres on November 6, 2025. Are you ready to see Reza Rahadian’s magic on the big screen soon?”

    Read more: ‘Billionaire’s Bunker’ Twist Is Quite Intriguing

  • ‘Billionaire’s Bunker’ Twist Is Quite Intriguing

    This Spanish-language apocalypse thriller series has a very interesting plot. We will see an underground bunker that witness everything behind. Not only that, the twist that happened also left us stunned. (Contains spoiler!)

    Billionaire’s Bunker (YouTube.com/Netflix)

    From one hell to another

    This 8-episode series opens with the appearance of Max, a muscular teenager who is thrown into prison. In prison, he being brutally bullied by other inmates. He experienced cruel treatment such as being beaten with rocks, having his skin torn, and even thrown into a washing machine.

    However, Max learns that this hell teaches him resilience. When he already regained his joy in prison, Max was freed by someone. It turned out to be his father, who told him that the world was at war right now.

    His father said that he would be taken to a bunker with his family somewhere. Max refused, but changed his mind when he heard that Ane’s father was also in the bunker. Ane was Max girlfriend who died in a car accident with him, and the reason why he is in jail.

    ”Max didn’t realize that he was actually just escaping from one hell only to enter into another. Ane’s father holds a deep hatred for him, and now they are isolated, with nowhere to go.”

    ‘The greatest con show in history’

    This series has a twist that is seamlessly unpredictable. Dazzled by the bunker’s elegance and facilities, we might assume conflicts will arise among its residents. Well, actually it does, but that’s not what will be the ultimate treats.

    In a bunker isolated from a world under nuclear attack, the billionaires inside are in danger. Their panic was captured in the safest hideout all at once. But, the danger actually isn’t that the world is about to end.

    ”The real danger is perfectly described by the title of episode 2, ‘The Greatest Con Show in History.’ Something they would never have imagined before.”

    ‘Billionaire’s Bunkers’ is aired on Netflix since September 19. You can watch this series and feel the gripping sensation throughout 8 episodes.

    Read more: ‘Keluarga Super Irit’ Teaches Us the Meaning of Frugal Living

  • ‘Keluarga Super Irit’ Teaches Us the Meaning of Frugal Living

    Another movie for your late October pleasure is Keluarga Super Irit (The Super Thrifty Family). This movie shares the ups and downs of living a frugal life. You wouldn’t believe how frugal this family is!

    Keluarga Super Irit (YouTube.com/Falcon)

    Different person, different level of thrifty

    The plot centered on a family known for being extremely thrifty in all things. The father, who is a manager, had a thriftiness level of 75%. His salary was decent, but we could see his funny antics such taking used coffee from the trash can.

    Or we can just look at the mom, who’s at maximum level of thrifty. She’s really hated by the market vendors because her offers are quite unreasonable. Besides the market vendors, she is also hated by the subdistrict employees!

    Both have three children who are still young and in school. However, their children are not as frugal as their parents. They just simply follow the values of their mother and father.

    ”Sometimes, they even protest their parents actions for being too frugal. Sounds funny, but it really happened throughout the movie.”

    Real-life families, not just a cast

    Problems then came when the father’s salary was cut. On top of that, there was another issue that forced them to leave their current home-sweet-home. This eventually leads the family to find a way to survive with the principles they hold dear.

    Beyond comedy, several scenes in the movie also show the depressing parts. It seems that the connection between the main cast whose also a real-life families connected perfectly. They carried the storyline well, transitioning smoothly between comedy and drama.

    ”The moral of this story is , there is a special value and blessing in their frugality. And, the only ones who can understand a family are the family members themselves.”

    This Korean-adapted Yim Chang-Ho comic movie can be watched via Netflix. Currently, ‘Keluarga Super Irit’ is ranked number 1 movies in Indonesia. So, are you curious to see their silly frugal actions?

    Read more: Upcoming Korean Movie ”Good News” Premieres on Netflix October 17