Everyday people get caught up in otherworldly problems in the supernatural series Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams. The anthology follows characters who take drastic measures to save money, their families, or themselves — but are instead greeted by unspeakable dangers from other realms. From writer-director Joko Anwar (Satan’s Slaves, Impetigore), the series was co-directed by Ray Farandy Pakpahan (Beyond Skyline), Tommy Dewo (Ratu Adil), and Randolph Zaini (Preman). Nightmares and Daydreams stars a massive ensemble cast featuring Ario Bayu, Marissa Anita, and Asmara Abigail.
“This series explores the sci-fi supernatural genre,” Anwar told Netflix. “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.”
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Agus Firmansyah, Sarita Ibrahim, and Haydar Salishz in Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams
Each stand-alone but interconnected episode focuses on ordinary people who face mysterious phenomena that endanger them and their loved ones. As they attempt to thwart the evil that surrounds them, these strange encounters reveal deeper truths about the world. The series follows a man who places his aging mother in a cursed nursing home, a couple who adopts a demon child who may’ve killed his former guardian, an author whose life begins to mirror that of the character she’s writing, a technician who learns hypnosis to make ends meet, and more. Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams culminates in a final episode that ties the stories together.
“I wanted to create something that most Indonesian viewers can relate to,” Anwar said. “So although it’s sci-fi supernatural, you’ll see some social and political themes brought up.”
Lukman Sardi in Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams
No, it’s an original series.
The series takes place in Jakarta, Indonesia, between 1985 and present day. It was filmed in Jakarta and Cirebon, Indonesia.
