Headshot

Movie guide

Headshot (2016)

  • Action
  • Thriller
  • Drama
6.4/10 Drama4U Score · from 515 TMDB votes · How the score works

Headshot (2016): plot summary, cast led by Iko Uwais, release date and where to watch this brutal Indonesian martial arts thriller in the US.

Headshot plot summary (no spoilers)

The sea delivers a stranger to the shore. He is badly hurt, barely alive, and has no memory of who he is. Over time he recovers and is given a new life and a new name, Ishmael. Iko Uwais plays the man known as both Ishmael and Abdi.

Forgetting is not the same as escaping. His body still remembers skills he cannot explain, and the people from his former life have not forgotten him. A powerful drug lord sits at the centre of that past, and the calm Ishmael has found starts to crack. He has to fight his way back toward the truth about himself, and every step makes the violence harder to avoid.

The film is an Indonesian action thriller that runs for 118 minutes. It uses its amnesia setup to explore identity, trauma and the hope of redemption, all through close-quarters martial arts combat. The tagline, “They should have killed him,” sets the tone.

Headshot — Mood illustration, not a still from the film
Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What makes Headshot notable: cast, directors and style

  • Directors: Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel co-directed the film. Timo Tjahjanto also wrote the screenplay.
  • Lead cast: Iko Uwais leads as Ishmael / Abdi. Chelsea Islan plays Ailin, Sunny Pang plays Lee and Julie Estelle plays Rika. The supporting cast includes Very Tri Yulisman (Besi), David Hendrawan (Tejo), Zack Lee (Tano), Yayu Unru (Romli), Ganindra Bimo (Bondhi) and Bront Palarae (Interpol Agent Ali).
  • Genre and tone: The film mixes action, thriller and drama. It is gritty and intense, and its gore leans into neo-exploitation territory. The fights are brutal, and the story also takes in themes of PTSD, revenge, resistance and dehumanisation.
  • Origin: It is an Indonesia–Singapore co-production from Screenplay Infinite Films. The dialogue is mainly in Indonesian, with some English.

If you’re looking for a Headshot review, the Drama4U Score is shown separately on this page. This guide covers what to expect: a hard-hitting, violent martial arts thriller rather than a light action romp.

Who will enjoy Headshot?

  • Fans of raw, close-combat martial arts cinema
  • Viewers who enjoy gritty Southeast Asian action thrillers
  • Audiences drawn to amnesia, identity and redemption stories
  • Genre fans who can handle heavy gore and graphic violence

Headshot release date and where to watch

Release date: In the US, Headshot premiered on 24 September 2016 at Fantastic Fest, where it was listed as not rated (NR). That date also matches its world release date.

Where to watch in the US (according to JustWatch data as of 24 October 2026):

  • Streaming: Netflix, including Netflix Standard with Ads
  • Free: Hoopla
  • Rent or buy: Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home

A trailer is available. Streaming catalogues change often, so check your platform before watching.

Trailer

Cast

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was Headshot released?
Headshot had its US premiere on 24 September 2016 at Fantastic Fest. That is also its listed world release date.
Where can I watch Headshot in the US?
As of 24 October 2026, Headshot is streaming on Netflix, including the Standard with Ads plan, and is free on Hoopla. You can also rent or buy it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube and Fandango At Home.
Who is in the cast of Headshot?
Iko Uwais stars as Ishmael / Abdi. He is joined by Chelsea Islan (Ailin), Sunny Pang (Lee), Julie Estelle (Rika), Very Tri Yulisman (Besi) and Bront Palarae (Interpol Agent Ali), among others.
How long is Headshot?
Headshot runs for 118 minutes.
Who directed Headshot?
Timo Tjahjanto and Kimo Stamboel directed the film, and Timo Tjahjanto wrote the screenplay.

Sources

  1. TMDB
  2. IMDb

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