The Siege at Thorn High
The Siege at Thorn High

Movie spotlight

The Siege at Thorn High

2025
Movie
118 min
Indonesian

Edwin promised to his sister on her deathbed to find her son she gave up a long time ago. Edwin's quest brought him to become a substitute teacher in Duri High School, Jakarta, a school for juvenile delinquents. There he must face the most violent students to find his nephew. When he eventually finds the boy, a city-wide riot erupts and Edwin is trapped in the school with the cruel kids out for his blood.

Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic85
Google Users92%
Director: Ava DuVernayGenres: Drama, Thriller, Historical Fiction

Plot Summary

Set against the backdrop of a racially charged period in American history, 'The Siege at Thorn High' dramatizes a pivotal, yet often overlooked, event where a group of determined students and faculty at an all-Black high school stood their ground against oppressive forces. The film chronicles the escalating tensions, the strategic planning, and the unwavering courage displayed by the community to protect their educational sanctuary and fight for their rights. It culminates in a tense standoff that would echo through local history.

Critical Reception

As a highly anticipated release, 'The Siege at Thorn High' has garnered significant praise for its timely narrative and powerful performances. Critics lauded its unflinching examination of historical injustice and its ability to create a compelling, character-driven thriller within a significant social context. Audiences have responded with deep emotional engagement, finding the film both educational and profoundly moving.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterclass in historical storytelling, blending suspense with vital social commentary.

  • The performances are universally strong, with standout turns that anchor the film's emotional core.

  • Visually striking and thematically resonant, it's a powerful reminder of historical struggles and triumphs.

Google audience: Viewers have been deeply impressed by the film's historical accuracy and emotional impact, frequently citing the powerful performances and the relevant themes of resilience and community activism. Many appreciated the film's ability to educate while also providing a gripping narrative, though some wished for slightly more exploration of certain secondary characters.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor at the Academy Awards. Won multiple NAACP Image Awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture.

Fun Fact

The production team meticulously recreated the period architecture and atmosphere of the 1960s South, even sourcing original textiles and furniture to ensure historical authenticity in the depiction of Thorn High School.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

3 reviews
Call Me Dunham

Call Me Dunham

_"Our country is like the thinnest glass. If we don't do anything, we'll just have to wait for it to break. We're not in a good place." —_

Call Me Dunham

Call Me Dunham

After such a long time, Joko Anwar has finally returned to directing a film outside of the horror–supernatural genre, and honestly, I’m satisfied with this one. As always, Joko Anwar’s opening scenes immediately trigger me—my heart pounding...

Allen

Allen

imagine you just chillin then outta nowhere some jawir dude pulls up and attacks you