SOUTHEAST Asia is home to rich cultures and unique stories. This festive season, Netflix is bringing viewers into a world of authentically-told tales that best represent the region's vibrant storytelling.
From laugh-out-loud comedies to fantastical sci-fi flicks, here are the top picks for your year-end holiday viewing pleasure.
Thailand
Celebrate a national dream in Thailand with The Lost Lotteries
Now streaming on Netflix
Looking for a belly-aching laugh fest this holiday season? This is your winning ticket. Five unlucky strangers are brought together in their fight against a mafia boss, in order to steal back winning lottery tickets worth millions.
Tapping on the national dream of winning lotteries in Thailand, The Lost Lotteries appeals to both domestic and international audiences through its delicate balance of various comedic styles that cater to different sensibilities, setting the tone for heist comedies and films in the region.
Peek into the complex world of Thai boxing in Hurts Like Hell
Now streaming on Netflix
With its humble origins in Thailand, Muay Thai has seen its influence spread across the globe. Take an up-close-and-personal look at the world of this beloved sport in Hurts Like Hell, told through a part-anthology, part-documentary mini-series.
Fans and even non-fans of the sport will be able to indulge themselves in tracing the sport’s history, as well as its entanglements with the underworld today.
Dive into the poignant portrayals of the Tham Luang cave rescue in & Thai Cave Rescue
Now Streaming on Netflix
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Trapped in a flooded cave complex in the summer of 2018, 12 young Thai footballers had the world watching them over the span of 17 days. Helmed by award-winning director Pailin Wedel, the compelling documentary, The Trapped 13: How We Survived The Thai Cave, reflects the most important perspectives of the survivors, delving into the intricacies of the dangerous rescue mission and how they survived this life-changing event.
If documentaries aren’t your thing, tune in to the drama series, Thai Cave Rescue. Told with care, compassion, and a commitment to authenticity, this drama series sheds light on the real story behind the cave rescue, with real-life elements including scenes filmed at some of the boys’ homes.
Indonesia
High-octane action and comedy in Timo Tjahjanto’s The Big 4
Premiering December 15 on Netflix
Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, Arie Kriting, Lutesha, and Kristo Immanuel star in the first action-comedy by homegrown Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto. The Big 4 sees four retired assassins joining forces to track down an elusive murderer. With a straight-arrow cop in their way, will this gang of experts be able to catch the killer?
Chase wanderlust in Bali in A Perfect Fit
Now streaming on Netflix
What if fate came a little too late? A fashion blogger finds herself going down an unexpected path when she takes a life-changing trip to Bali, where she meets a gifted shoemaker. The only question in this whirlwind romance: can she keep her commitment to her fiancé?
Philippines
Snuggle up for an emotional story on second chances in Doll House
Now streaming on Netflix
We all need a good cry sometimes, and Doll House is here to help with just that. Praised as a heartwarming tale poignantly portraying the complexities of father-daughter relationships, Doll House’s sentimental plot will have you holding your loved ones a little closer this year.
Bonus: Chinese language picks
Get ready for heart-pumping action with Louis Koo, Sean Lau, and Carina Lau in Warriors of Future
Premiering December 2 on Netflix
When a meteor carrying a destructive plant strikes the world, a suicide squad is given mere hours to save their post-apocalyptic city from total collapse. As humanity faces the threat of extinction, can our heroes emerge victorious against powerful alien creatures? Featuring some of the biggest names in Hong Kong’s film industry such as Louis Koo, Sean Lau, and Carina Lau, Warriors of Future is an ambitious production that is well-placed to live up to the hype.
Go on an emotional rollercoaster in Shards of Her
Now streaming on Netflix
The line between what’s real and what’s not gets blurred in this Taiwanese mystery thriller starring Hsu Wei-Ning, Toby Lee, and Wen Chen-Ling. After a coma leaves her with amnesia, an accomplished career woman finds herself navigating through a warped reality, where she is forced to revisit and confront her painful past.
Laugh along with your favourite aunty’s dating life in Mom, Don’t Do That!
Now streaming on Netflix
Everyone has that one aunty whose love life is constantly on the rocks. In this Taiwanese family dramedy, a widow sets out to find new love, much to the joy and annoyance of her two daughters. Filled with hilarious moments while following the ups and downs of relationships, Mom, Don’t Do That! is a heartfelt lesson about the value of family and sincerity. – The Vibes, December 3, 2022
