Indonesian director Joko Anwar‘s The Siege at Thorn High has wrapped production and is slated for a theatrical release in Indonesia in 2025.
The film is produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Anwar’s Come and See Pictures, and was first announced as a Prime Video title in 2022 as part of the streamer’s Southeast Asian originals slate. Prime Video has since reeled back spending in Southeast Asia and laid off the region’s originals production team.
Set in the tumultuous near-future of Indonesia in 2027, The Siege at Thorn High follows Edwin, a young substitute teacher at a school for juvenile delinquents, whose own inner demons complicate his battle for survival once the school turns into a battleground.
Morgan Oey, Omara Esteghlal and Hana Malasan lead the cast of The Siege at Thorn High. Fatih Unru, Satine Zaneta, Dewa Dayana, Florian Rutters, Faris Fadjar Munggaran, Sandy Pradana and Farandika round off the film’s ensemble.
Amazon MGM Studios stated that the world that The Siege at Thorn High is set in “portrays how Indonesian society teeters on the edge of anarchy, with chaos ignited by discrimination and racial hate.”
“I am thrilled to embark on this creative journey with Amazon MGM Studios and cannot wait to bring this gripping, high-stakes narrative to life for the Indonesian audience,” said director Anwar. “The Siege at Thorn High depicts a timely and consequential issue that is more relevant than ever in today’s world, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of justice and compassion. This makes it a thought-provoking experience as much as an action-packed thriller.”
James Farrel, Vice President International Originals at Amazon MGM Studios, said: “This marks a milestone, as it is the first time in Southeast Asia for Amazon MGM Studios to partner with a local production company for a theatrical release. It’s also our first ever collaboration with the accomplished Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar, and we’re excited to share with the Indonesian audience the result of our collaboration with Come and See Pictures team in bringing Joko’s unique vision to life.”