Tjahjanto’s enthusiasm and dedication to conceptual novelty continue to match Irfan’s creativity and accomplished work with his stunt teams.

Finding new and inventively cruel ways to shuffle henchmen off this mortal coil, the director levels up his trademark use of the silat style of martial arts, overkilling the concept of overkill.

Creative methods of killing and maiming are Tjahjanto's specialty, and they fly at the viewer at a furious pace.

In terms of action movies, The Shadow Strays has it all. Enough story to keep you engaged, some of the best fight sequences you will see all year, and a protagonist who you can root for, even when you know next to nothing about her.