What is actually the most brutal action film of 2024? No matter what the answer is at the moment – chances are good that there will soon be a new number 1 with “Codename 13” aka “The Shadow Strays”. Here is the trailer for the new film by Timo Tjahjanto:
From blockbusters like “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” and “Monkey Man” to streaming highlights like “One More Shot” or “Land Of Bad”: 2024 has already produced some action films worth seeing – and some of them are pretty intense. But When it comes to what is probably the toughest action highlight of the year, genre fans should definitely mark October 17th in (blood) red on their calendars…
… because then starts “Codename 13“ exclusively on Netflix. The thriller, known internationally under the title “The Shadow Strays”, celebrated its world premiere a few days ago during the renowned Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and is aimed primarily at fans of brutal mash-ups of martial arts fights and shooting orgies. And Not only “The Raid” enthusiasts should definitely (!) have the film on their list. Because “Codename 13” is the new film by Timo Tjahjanto! The first trailer for the film shows what this means – and there is truly no stopping it when it comes to action madness.
“Codename 13”: Timo Tjahjanto is back!
The name of the Indonesian filmmaker means nothing to you? Then perhaps a quick look at his filmography will help you. Tjahjanto is now considered one of the future’s hopes when it comes to uncompromising genre cinema. A reputation that the 44-year-old has worked hard to earn.
After initially directing individual chapters in the horror anthologies “The ABCs Of Death” and “S-VHS aka V/H/S 2”, he turned out to be a true action master with “Killers” and “Headshot”. His best – and undoubtedly toughest – film to date was “The Night Comes For Us” in 2018. In it, he brings the two “Raid” stars Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim together once again and ignites a bloodthirsty action spectacle beyond good and evil.
Here and there, almost comically exaggerated, the lavishly staged and creatively choreographed action thriller mutates almost into a merciless splatter – which all those who can’t stand the sight of blood should steer clear of. And the first trailer for “Codename 13” suggests that Tjahjanto is continuing exactly this with his latest film.
The cast, meanwhile, consists mainly of actors who are currently known primarily in their home country of Indonesia – including Aurora Ribeiro (“Like & Share”), Hana Malasan (“Tunnel”) and Adinia Wirasti (“Critical Eleven”).
The film centers on a 17-year-old contract killer who is suspended after a failed mission. She begins to develop a conscience when she meets Monji, who is just 11 years old and whose mother was recently murdered by a crime syndicate – and ultimately even rebels against her mentor and client…
In addition to “Headshot” and “The Night Comes For Us”, you can also stream “The Big 4” by Timo Tjahjanto on Netflix. With his most recent film to date, released exclusively on the streaming giant in 2022, he tried his hand at an action comedy for once:
