Timo Tjahjanto: A modern legend of action cinema
With highly anticipated sequels such as “John Wick: Chapter 4,” “Fast X” and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” coming out this year, moviegoers will have no shortage of high-octane entertainment. However, action junkies might still be looking for their next adrenaline-pumping fix after returning from these films. Luckily, there is no shortage of action at home, with countless films from many respectable directors available to watch.
One director, Timo Tjahjanto, started out relatively recently but burst onto the scene. He is one of action’s most visceral voices and his filmography is one of the most uncompromising and thrilling of any filmmaker across any genre.
Hailing from Indonesia, Tjahjanto and Kimbo Stamboel directed the 2007 short “Dara” and the 2009 slasher “Macabre.” They directed two other films together, including the 2016 hit “Headshot.” This last directorial collaboration between the two serves as a compelling precursor to the relentless chaos of Tjahjanto’s “The Night Comes for Us,” starring Iko Uwais and Joe Taslim.
As Tjahjanto’s vicious, nonstop and brutal magnum opus, the Netflix original is as breathlessly paced, creatively staged and jaw-droppingly choreographed as an all-out martial arts extravaganza should be. Its stunts are designed and performed with incredible precision and veracity. It is absolutely drenched in blood and guts, and there is enough character development to make us really care about the protagonists.
Following this movie’s success, Netflix wanted Tjahjanto to make a more family-friendly effort with “The Big 4.” It has a zany tone and slapstick comedy, but it didn’t dispense any of the hard-hitting violence and gore. Those already on Tjahjanto’s wavelength will likely enjoy watching its giddy blend of terrific fights and charming silliness.
Action isn’t the only genre Tjahjanto is experienced in. He directed segments in the horror anthologies “The ABCs of Death” and “V/H/S/2.” His segment in the latter, “Safe Haven” – which was co-directed with Gareth Evans – is considered by fans as one of the best of the franchise due to its unsettling atmosphere, unpredictable story and thrilling escalation from spooky cult thriller to full-on demonic (and literally explosive) gorefest.
Tjahjanto’s first solo film, “May the Devil Take You,” was also horror. It received positive reviews and is currently his highest grossing film. It spawned a successful sequel in 2020. In 2021, he returned to the world of VHS with “The Subject” in “V/H/S/94.” A demented and blood-soaked mix of cyberpunk and splatter film, it nicely shows off his knack for squirm-inducing kills and energetic action.
In over fifteen years, Tjahjanto has made a name for himself as one of today’s most talented filmmakers. His breathtaking action sequences are unmatched by most, and his commitment to letting the action take center stage without sacrificing good storytelling is admirable and unique.
Upcoming projects include a third “May the Devil Take You,” the comic book adaptation of “The Blind of the Phantom Cave: Angel’s Eyes” and the American remake of “Train to Busan,” changed to “The Last Train to New York.” The lattermost does sound unnecessary, but with Tjahjanto at the helm, it has more of a chance to defy expectations than it ever would. No matter how it turns out, Tjahjanto will remain an exciting and bold filmmaker and one that will forever be a favorite for genre enthusiasts.
