Introduction: A Thriller Without Dialogue
Netflix’s new Indonesian thriller Monster (2025) comes with a striking disclaimer: “This feature does not contain dialogue.” Directed by Rako Prijanto, the film is a reinterpretation of David Charbonier and Justin Powell’s cult horror The Boy Behind the Door (2020).
The concept is bold—telling a horror story with visuals and sound alone. But does Prijanto pull off this cinematic gamble, or does Monster fall flat? Let’s dive in.
Monster Netflix Plot Summary
The story centers around two schoolchildren, Alana (Anantya Kirana) and Rabin (Sultan Hamonangan), who are kidnapped by Jack (Alex Abbad).
Jack abducts Alana and Rabin outside an arcade, duct-taping their eyes and mouths before throwing them into his car trunk.
He locks Rabin in a decrepit house, chained to the wall, while Alana manages to escape from the trunk and frees herself.
Instead of fleeing alone, Alana bravely sneaks into the house to rescue Rabin, triggering a tense game of cat-and-mouse with their sadistic captor.
The house itself hides unsettling secrets: a room with a camera set up by a bed, another with a chainsaw on a slab, and Jack’s disturbing tally-mark scars.
Performances and Characters
Anantya Kirana delivers a solid performance as a miniature “Final Girl,” carrying much of the film’s tension with her expressive acting.
Alex Abbad plays Jack as a menacing but oddly careless villain, which sometimes undermines the suspense.
Unfortunately, the characters lack depth, and their motivations remain vague throughout.
Direction, Atmosphere, and Sound Issues
Prijanto attempts to replace dialogue with striking visuals, eerie silences, and unsettling sound design. While some shots and skewed camera angles generate tension, a persistent ringing distortion in the audio distracts from the atmosphere.
Whether intentional or a Netflix glitch, the sound design feels more annoying than immersive.
Where Monster Succeeds
Clever framing of Alana and Jack in the same scene, heightening suspense.
Ambitious attempt at a dialogue-free thriller, relying on body language and environment.
Some inventive shots and horror influences, with nods to Don’t Breathe and The Shining.
Where Monster Fails
Lack of logic: Characters act inconsistently, and the story’s internal rules feel flimsy.
Weak atmosphere: The horror never fully horrifies, and the single-location setting lacks texture and dread.
No subtext: The film reduces to “kidnapping children is bad,” offering no deeper message or psychological exploration.
Monster (2025) Review Verdict
Monster is ambitious but underwhelming. The “no dialogue” gimmick is intriguing, but the execution feels generic, repetitive, and oddly hollow. While Prijanto shows flashes of visual skill, the film never builds enough dread or narrative weight to stand out among modern thrillers.
Conclusion
Netflix’s Monster had the potential to be a chilling, dialogue-free thriller but ends up as a reminder that bold ideas need strong execution. Despite moments of tension, the lack of logic, shallow characters, and irritating sound design make this a forgettable entry in Netflix’s global thriller lineup.
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