After its World Premiere at Fantastic Fest in Austin, United States, Ikatan Darah (Sidharta Tata, 2025) made its Indonesian premiere at JAFF20. The screening drew an enthusiastic crowd; audiences began lining up as soon as the studio doors opened, eager to witness the latest action film from director Sidharta Tata.
Throughout the screening, tension repeatedly filled the room as viewers reacted to the film’s relentless suspense. Beyond its gripping fight choreography, the film weaves in social issues familiar to Indonesian audiences—poverty, predatory debt, and the emotional complexities of sibling and friendship dynamics.
Ikatan Darah follows Mega, a former Pencak Silat athlete forced to abandon her career after an injury. Her already unstable life takes a darker turn when she becomes entangled in her older brother Bilal’s enormous debt. When a debt-collecting gang arrives at their home, Bilal kills one of the men, triggering an unending cycle of terror. Mega must risk everything, including her own life, to protect him.
During the post-screening Q&A, several audience members expressed their admiration, particularly for the cast’s physical performances. One viewer even declared Ikatan Darah the strongest Indonesian action film to date. Many praised Tata’s signature use of long-shot techniques to capture intense combat sequences. For this film, Tata revealed that he completed a major long-shot scene with only two retakes.
Tata also shared that the actors underwent three to four months of preparation to embody their roles. Toward the end of the session, the conversation touched on the social issues embedded in the film. “Yes, we intentionally brought in social themes that are close to the everyday lives of Indonesian audiences, so viewers can feel the weight of the story. But at the end of the day, enjoy it as entertainment,” he said. Tata closed by expressing his hope that Indonesian action cinema will continue to grow and capture the interest of wider audiences.
At JAFF20, Ikatan Darah stands as a testament to the vigor of contemporary Indonesian cinema—energetic, engaged, and responsive to the complexities of modern society. The film screens as part of the Indonesian Screen Awards competition program.
Photos: JAFF Documentation Team
