Are you ready for a creature feature with a historical twist? Shudder, the streaming home for all things horror, thriller, and supernatural, has snagged Mike Wiluan’s historical WWII horror film, Orang Ikan, also known as Monster Island.
An International Monster Hit
This highly anticipated film, part of the official poster lineup at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, is a genuine international co-production, originating from Singapore, Indonesia, Japan, and the UK. However, it made its world premiere to acclaim at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
The film also 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, facing down something far more ancient than their wartime conflict.
A Chilling Tale of Survival
Inspired by Malay folklore and the 1954 creature classic Creature from the Black Lagoon, Monster Island/Orang Ikan plunges us into the bleak reality of 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. But the illusion of isolation is quickly shattered as they discover they are far from alone. A ferocious, mythological creature known as the Orang Ikan (or “Fish Man”) is hunting them. Despite their deep-seated wartime hate, their only hope for survival lies in an uneasy alliance against the terror lurking in the shadows and the surrounding waters.
A Talented Director
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, having previously co-produced the massive hit Crazy Rich Asians and produced other notable films, such as Buffalo Boys. His experience in bringing compelling stories to the screen suggests that Monster Island/Orang Ikan will be a unique and gripping addition to Shudder’s already impressive library of genre films.
Historical Horror Unleashed
This horrifying mythological creature amplifies the horrors of war, offering a chilling and thought-provoking experience that seamlessly blends folklore, creature-feature thrills, and the harsh realities of World War II.
Get ready to witness this unique blend of historical drama and terrifying folklore when Monster Island/Orang Ikan starts streaming on Shudder on July 25th! Will these enemies survive their familiar monstrous foe?
