Nightmares and Daydreams is a new direction for Indonesian Netflix originals — an anthology set to present viewers with weird tales that will culminate with a season finale tying things together. Coming courtesy of Joko Anwar, the series is set to debut in June, so I’ve put together everything you need to know about the production.
What will Nightmares and Daydreams be about?
Nightmares and Daydreams is an anthology in the style of The Twilight Zone, featuring a different story in each episode, but a unifying finale.
Joko Anwar had this to say on how the show is something new in the Indonesian film and TV industry:
“This series explores the sci-fi supernatural genre, which is new in our national film industry. Inspired by my curiosity and fascination with alien stories, I dug deep into the intriguing concept of aliens that might not be far from us. The series has distinct elements to it and I cannot wait to present it to viewers.”
The official synopsis for the Netflix series catches the feel of the upcoming show in a press release:
“A sci-fi supernatural series about ordinary people encountering strange phenomena that may be keys to the answer about the origin of our world and the imminent threat we will soon face. Characters and plots will intertwine like pieces of a puzzle. And the big picture will be awe-inspiring.”
Joko Anwar and his work
The talented producer, director, actor, and writer was a journalist and film critic before moving into filmmaking. Joko made his directorial debut with Joni’s Promise, a rom-com that would see him nominated as best director at the 2005 Citra Award. His success would lead to other film work, with Joko moving into other genres.
In 2007, he directed the gritty thriller Dead Time: Kala, psychological shocker The Forbidden Door in 2009, and a horror thriller with a classic B-movie title, Satan’s Slaves, in 2017, which would do so well, a sequel would be released in 2022 called Satan’s Slaves: Communion.
In 2019 he would also approach the super-hero genre, with the epic and electrifying Gundala. Joko is also an actor and has appeared in many productions including Love for Share, Madame X, Missing, Before the Morning After, Three Sassy Sisters, The Underdogs, Daysleepers, and 27 Steps of May.
Indonesian Tatler would go on to name Joko in its list of the most influential film directors in modern Indonesian cinema.
Confirmed Release Date
Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams will be released on Netflix on June 14th, 2024.
Cast Explained
Across seven episodes, with each episode telling a different story, there is a huge cast on board to bring the series to life. The press release reveals there are sixty-five main named performers in the show. Some of the promotional images detail several of the more prominent names, like this one:
Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams Cast Poster | Image via Netflix
The complete cast list is below:
- Ario Bayu
- Asmara Abigail
- Marissa Anita
- Fachry Albar
- Nirina Zubir
- Lukman Sardi
- Yoga Pratama
- Restu Sinaga
- Karina Salim
- Kevin Ardilova
- Sal Priadi
- Poppy Sovia
- Ersa Mayori
- Rukman Rosadi
- Kiki Narendra
- Yatti Surachman
- Happy Salma
- Ayu Laksmi
- Faqih Alaydrus (child)
- Arie Kriting
- Teuku Rifnu Wikana
- Nungki Kusumastuti
- Agnes Naomi
- Mike Lucock
- Putra Dinata
- Mian Tiara
- Balgis Achmad (child)
- Irgi Achmad Fahrezi
- Muzakki Ramdhan
- Niken Anjani
- Aimee Saras
- Justin Adiwinata
- Egi Fedly
- Haydar Salishz
- Natalius Chendana
- Agra Piliang
- Tora Sudiro
- Daood Saleem (child)
- Eduwart Manalu
- Afrian Arisandy
- Djenar Maesa Ayu
- Agus Firmansyah
- Nazira C. Noer
- Ruth Marini
- Putri Ayudya
- Faradina Mufti
- Imelda Therinne
- Tegar Satrya
- Nafiza Fatia Rani (child)
- Nicholas Sada
- Sha Ine Febriyanti
- Sita Nursanti
- Anne Yasmine
- Totos Rasiti
- Sarita Ibrahim
- Danang Suryonegoro
- Aqi Singgih
- Kenes Andari
- Ully Triani
- Vivian Idris
- Zidni Hakim
- Kartika Jahja
- Lucky Moniaga
- Lembu Wiworo Jati
- Jaisal Tanjung
