In an era dominated by multiverse battles and superhero saturation, “Martis (2025)” delivers a fresh, gritty, and mythic action epic that feels both ancient and urgent. Directed by acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar, this international co-production combines high fantasy, martial arts, and moral depth into one of the year’s most striking cinematic experiences.
Based loosely on the mythos of Martis, the Ashura King, the film reimagines the character as a fallen warlord turned demon slayer, driven by revenge but haunted by prophecy. Played with fierce intensity by Joe Taslim, Martis is a warrior forged by pain—born of the Ashura clan, once destined to rule, but betrayed by his own blood and exiled to the Shadow Abyss.
Now, with twin blades in hand and vengeance in his heart, Martis seeks to cleanse the demonic corruption spreading through the fractured realms—while resisting the dark power rising within himself.
The film’s worldbuilding is breathtaking: a blend of Eastern mythology and high-fantasy aesthetics. Vast burning plains, crumbling temples in the sky, cursed forests, and blood-red moons paint a world that feels both ancient and otherworldly. The production design, led by a team that worked on Dune and The Witcher, delivers on every frame.
Fight choreography is another highlight. Rather than flashy CGI overload, Martis emphasizes brutal, balletic sword combat—every swing of his double blades carries weight and rage. A standout sequence involves a duel atop a collapsing floating citadel, where Martis faces his former brother—a scene full of emotional and physical tension.
But beneath the action lies something more compelling: a man torn between destiny and identity. Martis is not a hero by choice—he’s a warrior fighting to stay human. Flashbacks to his past reveal a boy abandoned by gods, raised in blood, and betrayed by those he loved. As demons begin to speak to him in whispers, the film becomes a psychological battle as much as a physical one.
Supporting performances add depth. Chelsea Islan plays Lira, a mysterious oracle who sees the future but hides her own. Tzi Ma brings wisdom and gravitas as the last monk of the Order of Balance. The score by Ramin Djawadi blends haunting vocals with tribal percussion and war drums, echoing Martis’s internal storm.
The climax—where Martis must choose between slaying the Demon King or absorbing his power to protect the realm—offers a chilling moral twist. The final moments leave the audience questioning whether the real enemy was ever the demons outside, or the rage within.
Martis (2025) is a thunderous, beautifully crafted epic that blends myth, martial arts, and moral conflict into something truly unique. It’s not just about swords and sorcery—it’s about power, pain, and the price of vengeance. If this is the start of a new fantasy saga, consider us ready for war.
