Why You Absolutely Must Watch ‘Halfworlds’ (As If You Won’t…)
Social media and nusantara media have been caught up with HBO Asia‘s Halfworlds since it was first announced earlier in the year. But fast forward several months later and we’ve now arrived at the premiere of the upcoming mini-series, which combines some of the strongest, young talent of the region with the Midas touch of renowned Indonesian director, Joko Anwar.
Just in case you missed out on the excitement, here’s a quick recap: Halfworlds is the eight-episode-series written by Collin Chang and Joko Anwar which premieres 10pm (or 9pm if you live in Thailand and Jakarta) this Sunday, exclusively on HBO.
The cast of Halfworlds consists of (clockwise, beginning from top left) Alex Abbad, Adinia Wirasti, Reza Rahadian, Hannah Al- Rashid, Ario Bayu and Salvita Decorte. Photo by Marwan Zaharudin.
In essence, Halfworlds is an action, thriller and drama featuring blood-bursting, knife-stabbing, kick-ass fighting scenes. But will this latest effort from HBO Asia become your new favourite series? Will these eight episodes be any different from the other shows that came before it?
After watching two episodes during the premiere at the Glass House of Ritz Carlton Jakarta, we personally think so. Now, let us convince you but take note that you might see some spoilers!
Kuntilanak, Genderuwo, Banaspati, Palasik
Halfworlds provides a unique and fresh take on the supernatural theme: even if you’re not into ghosts and demons, take note that the series really pushes Indonesian cultural identity to the fore.
There lies a lot of similarities between the many legends and myths of the Southeast Asian region — a lot of our folk stories share themes and characters, with differences only evident in names and terms used. As such, it is refreshing to see something we can relate to on the screen; Malaysians won’t feel out of place watching the series.
The cast of Halfworlds. Clockwise from top left: Arifin Putra, Aimee Saras, Bront Palarae, Nathan Hartono, Tara Basro and Verdi Solaiman. Photo by Marwan Zaharudin.
In the dark streets of present day Jakarta, Halfworlds brings viewers closer to the demit (“demon” in traditional Javanese) who have been living alongside humans for generations. These demit are trying to stop the Gift, a mysterious supernatural event that will reveal their true nature to humans, and they plan to do that by going after a young street artist, Sarah.
The demit — who have their own tribes and hierarchies — are set on a collision course with humans, which will result in a change to the balance of the worlds both races inhabit.
“There are no good and bad characters in Halfworlds; just like humans, these demit also have their good and bad sides,” stated Joko himself at the premiere.
Names, Names, All Kinds of Names
If you look carefully at the list of names involved with the project, you’ll be forgiven for setting your expectations sky-high. In fact, let’s start with Joko Anwar.
One of the most acclaimed directors of the Southeast Asian region, Joko is highly versatile — his track record includes acclaimed thrillers such as Dead Time: Kala and Modus Anamali, to comedies like Janji Joni. His most recent work, A Copy of My Mind, just won Best Director and Best Actress at Festival Filem Indonesia.
Top; Halfworlds executive producer, Erika North. Bottom: Halfworlds director, Joko Anwar and cast member, Cornelio Sunny. Photo by Marwan Zaharudin.
We must say that Joko did a fantastic job balancing all the different characters and emotions you’ll see on screen. His ability to depict various, overlapping events so accessibly and clearly is an indication of the precision and care he puts into his projects.
As for actors, we’re talking Reza Rahadian (Guru Bangsa: Tjokroaminoto), Arifin Putra and Alex Abbad (The Raid 2), Verdi Solaiman (The Raid), Tara Basro (A Copy of My Mind), Ario Bayu (Serangoon Road), Bront Palarae (Terbaik Dari Langit), Adinia Wirasti (Tentang Dia)… the list really does go on.
Character-Building With Joko Anwar
Another major triumph with Halfworlds is its characters, because the series is just so character-driven. Every person you’ll see on screen has their own story and motivations, complete with the complexities that make them human (or demit).
For example, when Sarah (Salvita Decorte) first appears on screen, she may seem like a typical character coping in a thriller premise. She doesn’t give away much, until things turn upside down for her after her friends are killed.
Following the traumatic event, Detektif Gusti (Bront Palarae) meets her while Barata (Arifin Putra) saves her from being harmed by the demit. It is also revealed that Sarah is on the hunt for the murderer of her parents, most likely to be Nadia (Adinia Wirasti), a Palasik who eats babies.
POLITICIAN. Ario Bayu as Juragan in Halfworlds. Photo by Marwan Zaharudin using a Leica X)
Believe us, your mind will be locked on trying to figure out what will happen next, so the real question is: are you ready to be glued to the TV?
And we haven’t even gone to the fight scenes you’ll see in Halfworlds too — if you’re the type of action buff who enjoys brutal killing scenes complete with blood dripping everywhere, great news. Best part? There will be elaborate battles fought by the demit with their own, unique weapons!
Rich in visual effects, Halfworlds also combines live action with graphic animation. Every episode for example opens with a unique, animated sequence with some backstory as well as key mythology to each character.
Upon viewing the series, we can safely say that Halfworlds is a highly-entertaining spectacle complete with action scenes, bits of humour, and some technical wizardry. It’s exactly the sort of thing that will whet the cinematic appetite of a regional audience.
So what are you waiting for? Make sure to circle 29 November on your calendar, but if you’re a non-subscriber fear not; the kind folks at HBO Asia will be putting up the first episode on Facebook immediately after it premieres on television, because they’re that chuffed with the results.
You’ve been warned!
Halfworlds premieres this Saturday at 10:00pm on HBO. For more information on Halfworlds, make sure to check out . This article was written by Marwan Zaharudin and Deric Ect.
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