The Shadow Strays

Code name 13, a 17-year-old assassin known as a Shadow, works for an international killing organization. During a mission in Japan, she successfully assassinates a crime leader but is suspended for psychological retraining after accidentally killing a bystander. Her mentor, Umbra, is assigned a separate mission in Cambodia. While awaiting further orders in Jakarta, 13 resides near her neighbors Monji and Mirasti, an escort connected to trafficker Haga. After Mirasti is found dead from an overdose, 13 befriends Monji, who later disappears. 13 investigates and learns that Haga, his twin sister Soria, corrupt detective Prasetyo, and political candidate Ariel operate a criminal syndicate. She kills Haga and escapes the Moonrose club, drawing the group’s attention.

Meanwhile, Umbra discovers during her mission that their targets are fellow Shadows and hesitates to kill a pregnant operative, Volver, who is later executed by another assassin, Troika. As the syndicate hunts 13, she rescues Monji but is captured at Ariel’s mansion after killing Prasetyo. Soemitro, Ariel’s crime-boss father, spares her in order to use her as protection during a drug deal with Abi Kabil. During the exchange, Monji dies from his injuries, triggering a large shootout that leaves Soemitro, Kabul, and their forces dead. Amid the chaos, 13 kills Ariel, while Soria is killed by Haga’s former subordinate Jeki.

Umbra and Troika are then ordered to eliminate 13. After intercepting her, Troika is killed in pursuit, and 13 defeats Umbra. The latter grabs a knife to her throat, but refuses to execute her. When the Handler arrives and attempts to enforce the order, Umbra attacks him and is fatally shot. 13 kills the Handler, and Umbra reveals her real name—Nomi—before dying. Returning to Jakarta, Nomi buries Monji but is soon pursued by other Shadows led by her successor, 14. A masked man intervenes, killing two attackers and identifying himself as Master Buran, Umbra’s former mentor. He invites Nomi to become his apprentice, and she accepts, asking to be known by her true name.

• Aurora Ribero as 13 / Nomi
• Hana Malasan as Umbra
• Taskya Namya as Soriah
• Agra Piliang as Haga
• Andri Mashadi as Ariel
• Chew Kin Wah as Handler
• Naomi Hitanayri Christy as Geisha
• Mawar Eva de Jongh as 14
• Adipati Dolken as Prasetyo
• Daniel Ekaputra as Troika
• Evy Fauziah as Ny. Sari Djamil
• Ali Fikri as Monji
• Banon Gautama as Kusno
• Tanta Ginting as Kabil
• Kristo Immanuel as Jeki
• Anty Indah as Heroin Girl
• Hiroaki Kato as Kenjiro
• Eva Celia as Volver
• Yayan Ruhian as Burai

In 2023, Netflix announced its Indonesian original slate, including The Shadow Strays.^[3] Tjahjanto previously directed a Netflix original film, The Big 4, a year prior. The production began in July 2023.^[4]

The Shadow Strays had its world premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival on 10 September 2024, during the Midnight Madness section.^[5]

Trailer for the film was released in September 2024 ahead of its release on Netflix worldwide on 17 October 2024.^[6][7]