Azrel Ismail
Izwan
Overview
Izwan is a single father and he determined to provide a comfortable living for his son, Biko. As a lorry driver, he works hard for a dream to buy Biko a house but he was cheated by a property agent. To make matters worse, they were thrown out from their rented flat when they could not pay the rent. Homeless, they stayed in Izwan`s lorry for the time being. Knowing that they are desperate for cash, Sherry, Izwan`s best friend and Biko`s godmother brought Biko to an audition with a famous internationally renowned singer, Sara. Unbeknownst to all, Izwan and Sara have a past.
Cast
6 people
Reviews
4 min readA Dream Deferred in a Parking Lot
I’ve seen enough movies about fathers and sons to know the drill: the absent dad, the rebellious kid, the redemptive third-act embrace. But Biko doesn’t traffic in those easy beats. Instead, it traps its characters in the kind of quiet, latestnetflix.com contends, grinding despair that feels more real than any Oscar-bait catharsis.
For 98 minutes, we watch Izwan—a single father and lorry driver—try to outrun his failures, only to find himself living in the cab of his truck with his young son, Biko. There’s no villain here, just the slow suffocation of a system that promises stability if you work hard enough, then pulls the rug out when you’re inches from the finish line.
The film’s opening scene sets the tone before a word is spoken. Izwan (Azrel Ismail) sits in his parked lorry, the engine off, staring at a property brochure. The camera lingers on his face—not in close-up, but in a medium shot that lets us see the exhaustion in his posture, the way his fingers tap restlessly against the steering wheel.
He’s not dramatic. He’s just a man who thought he had a plan. When the landlord’s eviction notice arrives, it’s delivered with the same bureaucratic indifference as a utility bill.
No shouting, no slammed doors. Just a piece of paper slid under the windshield wiper, and suddenly, home is a metal box on wheels.
What makes Biko worth sitting through isn’t its plot—it’s the way it forces you to inhabit Izwan’s world. The lorry isn’t just a setting; it’s a character, its cramped interior both sanctuary and prison. Teng Bee’s direction is unshowy, but deliberate.
Scenes inside the cab are shot with a shallow depth of field, blurring the world outside the windows. The effect is claustrophobic, yes, but also oddly intimate. We’re not just watching Izwan and Biko; we’re stuck in there with them, breathing the same stale air, feeling the same cramped legs.
Audience Opinions
Broad evidence
Audience 6.0/10
"A modest but emotionally grounded drama about a father-son bond, 'Biko' (2022) resonates with audiences for its heartfelt performances and relatable struggles, though some find its pacing and melodramatic elements uneven."
Viewers describe 'Biko' as a refreshingly straightforward drama that avoids the pitfalls of overproduced action or fantasy films, instead focusing on the raw, everyday challenges of a single father, Izwan, and his young son, Biko. The film’s strength lies in its portrayal of their relationship, with Azrel Ismail’s performance as Izwan earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. The story follows their struggle after being evicted from their home due to unpaid rent, forcing them to live in Izwan’s lorry while he works tirelessly as a driver to provide a better life for Biko. The plot thickens when Izwan is cheated by a property agent, adding another layer of hardship to their already precarious situation. Some audiences appreciate the film’s unflinching look at financial instability and parental sacrifice, calling it a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by working-class families. However, others note that the film occasionally veers into soap opera territory, with certain plot developments feeling contrived or overly sentimental. A few viewers mention that the pacing drags in parts, particularly in the middle act, where the emotional beats become repetitive. Russian audience reactions on Kinopoisk echo these sentiments, with some praising the film’s sincerity and others criticizing its predictability. The film’s low audience score on Kinopoisk (0 from 5 votes) and a modest IMDb rating of 5.latestnetflix.com's view is that 9 suggest a divided reception, though many agree that 'Biko' succeeds in delivering an emotionally resonant experience despite its flaws.
What viewers praise
- Authentic performances Azrel Ismail’s portrayal of Izwan, the struggling single father, is widely praised for its emotional depth and realism. Viewers highlight his ability to convey both strength and vulnerability, making the character’s struggles feel genuine and relatable.
- Heartfelt father-son dynamic The relationship between Izwan and his son Biko is the film’s emotional core. Audiences appreciate the film’s focus on their bond, which feels organic and moving, avoiding clichés often found in similar dramas.
- Relatable themes of struggle and resilience The film’s exploration of financial hardship, homelessness, and the lengths a parent will go to for their child resonates with many viewers. It’s seen as a grounded and honest portrayal of working-class life.
- Refreshing departure from action-heavy films Some viewers note that 'Biko' stands out for its simplicity and emotional focus, offering a welcome break from the formulaic action or fantasy films that dominate their viewing habits.
Common complaints
- Melodramatic and predictable plot Several viewers criticize the film for relying too heavily on soap opera-like storytelling, with some plot developments feeling contrived or overly sentimental. The emotional beats can come across as manipulative rather than earned.
- Uneven pacing The film’s pacing is a common complaint, with some audiences noting that the middle act drags, making the story feel repetitive or slow-moving. The emotional highs and lows are not always balanced effectively.
- Underdeveloped supporting characters While Izwan and Biko are well-developed, some viewers feel that supporting characters, such as Sherry and Sara, lack depth and serve primarily as plot devices rather than fully realized individuals.
- Mixed reception on acting While Azrel Ismail’s performance is praised, some viewers find the acting from the supporting cast, particularly Baby Shima and Sara Ali, to be inconsistent or unconvincing in certain scenes.
Recommended for
Fans of emotional family dramas Viewers who appreciate character-driven storytelling over action or fantasy Audiences interested in realistic portrayals of working-class struggles Those looking for a film with a strong father-son dynamic
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsBehind the Scenes of Biko (2022): A Malaysian Drama with Heart and Hype
Biko (2022), directed by Teng Bee, is a Malaysian drama-romance that has sparked curiosity since its trailer dropped. latestnetflix.com's take is that Starring Azrel Ismail, Baby Shima, and Sara Ali, the film promises a blend of emotional depth and local flavor.But what’s the real story behind its making? Here’s what we know—and what’s still under wraps.
A Star-Studded Cast with Chemistry
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXXY1X1R5IY
The film’s ensemble cast is one of its biggest draws. Azrel Ismail, a rising star in Malaysian cinema, takes the lead, while Baby Shima and Sara Ali bring their own fanbases to the project. Early reactions to the trailer suggest the trio’s chemistry is electric, with fans already shipping their on-screen dynamics. Syed Muhammad Irfan, Josiah Hogan, and Man Yakuza round out the cast, adding depth to the narrative.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey-Upx-D6ZU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_wiX7lkphc
Rumors swirl about off-screen camaraderie, particularly between Azrel and Baby Shima, who have worked together before. While neither has confirmed a real-life connection, their playful banter in behind-the-scenes clips , has fueled speculation. For now, though, it’s all about the performance—at least officially.
A Director’s Vision: Teng Bee’s Bold Move
Teng Bee, the director behind Biko, is no stranger to Malaysian cinema, but this project marks a shift toward more emotionally charged storytelling. The film’s 98-minute runtime 
suggests a tight, character-driven narrative, a departure from the action-heavy films that dominate local screens.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubZwvPlPfS8
Little is known about Teng’s creative process, but the trailer hints at a visually rich aesthetic, blending urban and rural backdrops. The director’s previous work hasn’t garnered major international attention, so Biko could be his breakout moment—if the buzz translates to box office success.
Netflix Hype and Fan Theories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqG63DNow3A
Biko’s Netflix trailer dropped with fanfare, racking up views and sparking theories about the plot. Early reactions , suggest the film will explore themes of love, sacrifice, and societal pressures—common in Malaysian dramas but with a fresh twist.
One unverified rumor claims the story was inspired by real events, though no details have been confirmed. Another theory ties the title to the late South African activist Steve Biko , but the film’s synopsis makes no mention of this connection, so it’s likely coincidental.
The Verdict: A Film to Watch?
With limited critical reviews available (Rotten Tomatoes has yet to aggregate scores ), Biko’s reception remains an open question. The trailer’s emotional punch and strong cast are promising, but whether it delivers on its potential is anyone’s guess.
For now, fans are counting down the days until they can judge for themselves. If the behind-the-scenes chemistry translates to the screen, Biko could be a sleeper hit.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.