Jakarta, April 10, 2025 – The latest work by writer and director Joko Anwar, produced by Tia Hasibuan in an international co-production between Come and See Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios, “Pengepungan di Bukit Duri” (The Siege at Thorn High) will be released in Indonesian cinemas starting April 17, 2025. This drama-thriller delivers intense suspense, set in a depiction of Indonesia in the year 2027. In addition to directing, Joko Anwar also serves as producer alongside Tia Hasibuan, and acts as editor for this, his 11th film.
Through “The Siege at Thorn High”, Joko Anwar responds to Indonesia’s current reality with a highly relevant exploration of violence and the urgent need for education reform, focusing on the future of Indonesian youth caught in a broken system.
Packaged in the drama-thriller genre, Joko Anwar maintains a steady intensity from beginning to end. Boldly, “The Siege at Thorn High” envisions a scenario that could unfold in 2027, if we choose to stay silent and ignore the need for change.
The violence depicted in the film is represented through life-threatening action scenes within a school environment. With a setting crafted by Dennis Susanto, cinematography by Joko Anwar’s longtime collaborator Jaisal Tanjung, and a haunting score composed by Aghi Narottama, the world of “The Siege at Thorn High” feels like a nation in total disarray.
This film serves not only as a mirror for the country, but also as a reminder to continue reflecting. “The Siege at Thorn High” brings forward an urgent and crucial issue that must be seen — so our eyes can be opened, and our minds awakened. It invites viewers to rethink violence, and to talk about it openly.
“This film isn’t about the past, but about what happens when we pretend to forget,” said Joko Anwar.
“Sometimes, the scariest thing isn’t the violence itself — it’s the system that allows it to grow.”
“We created this film with the highest production standards — because stories like this deserve to be told with full quality,” added producer Tia Hasibuan.
“We have a strong commitment to theatrical releases—and for us, The Siege at Thorn High is a bold, powerful film that truly deserves to be experienced on the big screen,” said Darin Darakananda, Head of Central Scripted Series & Movies International Originals at Amazon MGM Studios.
“We are proud to support visionary filmmakers like Joko Anwar in delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences worthy of theatrical release. The Siege at Thorn High presents a narrative that can spark meaningful conversations among Indonesian audiences, and we’re thrilled to see the film receiving the praise and enthusiasm it rightfully deserves,” she continued.
The Siege at Thorn High follows the story of Edwin (played by Morgan Oey). Before his brother passed away, Edwin promised to find his missing nephew. His search leads him to work as a teacher at Duri High School, a school for troubled youth. There, he must face the most violent students while continuing his search. But when he finally finds his nephew, riots erupt throughout the city, and they become trapped in the school—facing off against brutal students now out for their lives.
Morgan Oey, who portrays Edwin, shared that he hopes this film can be a therapeutic medium for both the audience and Indonesian society. The themes of violence and past trauma are presented in a way that encourages open dialogue.
“Aside from highlighting the struggles of the teaching profession and youth violence, The Siege at Thorn High also tackles the impact of discrimination, which Edwin experiences in the film,” said Morgan.
“For so long, we—and even the state—have never truly acknowledged the effects of discrimination and trauma. Through this role, I felt like I was part of a healing process.
The issues raised in this film are incredibly relevant to everyday life.
Discrimination isn’t only racial; it also comes in the form of social injustice.
I hope this film opens up space for discussion and helps us recognize and validate each other’s experiences.”
The Siege at Thorn High is a co-production between Hollywood studio Amazon MGM Studios and Come and See Pictures, marking the first collaboration between an Indonesian production house and the legendary Hollywood studio.
The film will be released in Indonesian cinemas on April 17, 2025.
It stars Morgan Oey, Omara Esteghlal, Hana Pitrashata Malasan, Endy Arfian, Fatih Unru, Satine Zaneta, Dewa Dayana, Florian Rutters, Faris Fadjar Munggaran, Sandy Pradana, Raihan Khan, Farandika, Millo Taslim, Sheila Kusnadi, Shindy Huang, and Kiki.
Madra, Bia Lukman, Emir Mahira, Bima Aziel, Natalius Chendana, and Landlung also join the ensemble cast.
Stay updated with the latest news and developments about The Siege at Thorn High on Instagram: @comeandseepictures.
The film premieres in cinemas across Indonesia on April 17, 2025!
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