Are you ready for a creature feature with a historical twist? Shudder, the streaming home for all things horror, thriller, and supernatural, has snagged the North American, UK, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand release rights for Mike Wiluan’s historical WWII horror film, Orang Ikan (also known as Monster Island).
An International Hit
The film, part of the official poster lineup at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, is a co-production of Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and the UK. The film made its world premiere at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Orang Ikan boasts an international cast, starring Japanese actor Dean Fujioka (Fullmetal Alchemist) and British actor Callum Woodhouse (All Creatures Great & Small). This unlikely duo finds themselves in a terrifying and unique predicament.
A Chilling Tale
Inspired by Malay folklore and the 1954 creature classic Creature from the Black Lagoon, Orang Ikan plunges us into 1942. The story begins with a Japanese ship transporting a grim cargo: prisoners of war (POWs) destined for forced labor camps. However, their journey takes a violent turn when allied submarines torpedo their vessel. A lone Japanese soldier and a British POW find themselves stranded on a deserted island. However, the illusion of isolation is quickly shattered as they discover they are not alone. A ferocious, mythological creature known as the Orang Ikan is hunting them. Despite their deep-seated wartime hate, their only hope for survival lies in an alliance against the terror lurking in the shadows and the surrounding waters.
Writer-director Mike Wiluan expressed his enthusiasm about the film finding its home on Shudder.
“I’m very proud to have Shudder present the film in territories that have a rich history and appreciation for creature films. The ‘Fish Man’ folklore is a globally recognised phenomenon that has enjoyed several reincarnations. ‘Orang Ikan’ is a pan-Asian interpretation of the genre that also questions the nature of humanity during times of war.”
Wiluan is no stranger to successful and diverse projects. He previously co-produced the massive hit Crazy Rich Asians and produced other notable films like Buffalo Boys. His experience in bringing compelling stories to the screen suggests that Orang Ikan will be a unique and gripping addition to Shudder’s already impressive library of genre films.
Historical Horror
While a specific release date on Shudder hasn’t been announced yet, the acquisition is exciting news for horror fans. Get ready to dive into a chilling historical setting fraught with peril. The emergence of a terrifying mythological creature compounds the horrors of war. Orang Ikan promises a chilling and thought-provoking experience that blends folklore, creature-feature thrills, and the harsh realities of World War II. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on when this intriguing film will surface on Shudder!
