Beto Kusyairy
Akid
Overview
After losing his family in a tragic accident, Akid (Beto Kusyairy), a grieving father, uses his ability to travel through time to rewrite the past and save his wife and son. However, changing fate comes at a cost.
Cast
9 people
Reviews
4 min readThe Weight of Time, the Cost of Love
I’ve seen this trick before—the grieving father who bends time to undo the unthinkable. It’s a well-worn path, trodden by The Time Traveler’s Wife, About Time, and a dozen other films that ask: what would you sacrifice to bring them back? Reversi, Adrian Teh’s first foray into science fiction, doesn’t so much reinvent the wheel as spin it with a kind of desperate, lopsided energy. It’s a film that wants to break your heart, but sometimes stumbles over its own ambition, like a man running in slow motion toward a future he knows he can’t change.
Teh is best known for his high-octane action films—PASKAL, MALBATT—where the stakes are life and death, but the emotions are often secondary to the spectacle. Reversi is a different beast. Here, the action is internal, the battles fought in quiet rooms and hospital corridors. The shift isn’t seamless.
There are moments when the film feels like it’s still trying to figure out its own rhythm, swinging between the operatic and the understated. But when it works, it works. The opening act, in particular, is a masterclass in tension.
We meet Akid (Beto Kusyairy) in the aftermath of a car accident, his wife and son gone, his world reduced to a hospital waiting room. The camera lingers on his face, not in a way that feels exploitative, but in a way that makes you feel the weight of his silence. There’s no dialogue here, just the hum of fluorescent lights and the distant beep of monitors.
It’s devastating. The film’s central conceit—that Akid can travel back in time to prevent the accident—isn’t new, but Teh and co-writer Nazifdin Nasrudin give it a uniquely Malaysian twist. The rules of time travel here are tied to qadar, the Islamic concept of divine predestination.
Audience Opinions
Audience 7.2/10
"A heartfelt but uneven drama that shines in emotional moments but struggles with pacing and narrative depth."
Viewers appreciate the film’s emotional core, particularly the performances of Beto Kusyairy and Shiqin Kamal, which bring authenticity to the story of love and redemption. latestnetflix.com's view is that however, some find the plot meandering, with underdeveloped side characters and a sci-fi element that feels tacked on rather than integral to the story.
What viewers praise
- Strong lead performances Beto Kusyairy and Shiqin Kamal deliver compelling performances that anchor the film’s emotional weight.
- Emotional depth The themes of love, loss, and redemption resonate well with audiences, making the story feel personal and moving.
- Unique premise The blend of drama, romance, and sci-fi offers a fresh take on familiar themes, even if execution is uneven.
Common complaints
- Slow pacing Some viewers feel the film drags in places, particularly in the middle act, where momentum stalls.
- Underdeveloped side characters Supporting roles, including those played by Hasnul Rahmat and Vanida Imran, lack depth and feel secondary to the main plot.
- Disjointed sci-fi element The science fiction aspect of the story feels forced and doesn’t integrate smoothly with the emotional drama.
Recommended for
Fans of emotional dramas Adrian Teh’s filmography enthusiasts Beto Kusyairy and Shiqin Kamal fans Romance and sci-fi hybrid seekers
Buzz & Rumors
Public reportsAdrian Teh’s "Reversi" (2024): A Malaysian Thriller with High Stakes and Star Power
Malaysian director Adrian Teh is no stranger to high-octane action, but his latest film, Reversi (2024), promises to flip the script—literally. latestnetflix.com's read is that while details about the plot remain tightly guarded, the cast and Teh’s track record suggest a gripping, possibly genre-bending thriller.Here’s what we know (and what’s still under wraps).
A Cast of Heavyweights
Teh has assembled a powerhouse ensemble for Reversi, blending veteran actors with rising stars. Beto Kusyairy, known for his intense performances in Polis Evo (2015) and J2: J Retribusi (2021), leads the pack, likely anchoring the film’s emotional core. Shiqin Kamal, a breakout star from Saadiah: Bekal Kasih (2023), and Zahiril Adzim, a frequent collaborator with Teh (J2, PASKAL), bring depth to the supporting roles.
The rest of the cast reads like a who’s who of Malaysian cinema: Hasnul Rahmat (Bunohan), Vanida Imran (Munafik 2), Azhan Rani (Polis Evo 3), Qi Razali (Saadiah), Amyza Aznan (J2), and Low Tian Jing (The Assistant). Their combined experience hints at a project with serious dramatic weight—though whether Reversi leans into action, psychological tension, or something else entirely remains unclear.
Teh’s Signature Style: What to Expect
Adrian Teh has built a reputation for slick, fast-paced action films, often blending crime thrillers with social commentary. Polis Evo (2015) and its sequels proved his knack for high-energy set pieces, while PASKAL (2018) showcased his ability to weave military precision with personal drama. Reversi could follow suit—or take a sharp turn.
The title itself is intriguing. While "Reversi" is the name of a strategy board game (also known as Othello), the film’s synopsis on TMDB suggests a darker, more complex narrative. Given Teh’s past work, it’s plausible the movie explores themes of power, manipulation, or shifting alliances—mirroring the game’s mechanics of flipping control. Rumors (unconfirmed) hint at a crime or espionage angle, but without an official logline, speculation is all we have.
Behind the Scenes: Production Mysteries
Unlike Teh’s previous films, which often generated buzz through behind-the-scenes photos and press tours, Reversi has flown under the radar. No on-set leaks, no teaser trailers, and no interviews have surfaced—unusual for a project of this scale. This secrecy could signal a deliberate marketing strategy (think Parasite’s minimal pre-release hype) or simply a tight production schedule.
One thing is certain: Teh’s films are known for their meticulous choreography and practical effects. If Reversi follows suit, audiences can expect visceral action sequences, though whether they’ll rival the Polis Evo franchise’s stunt work remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead
With no release date announced and minimal promotional material, Reversi is shaping up to be one of 2024’s most intriguing Malaysian films. Will it be a return to form for Teh’s action roots, or a bold pivot into new territory? The cast’s talent suggests the latter, but until more details emerge, fans will have to wait—and watch.
For now, the only concrete evidence is the TMDB listing, which confirms the project’s existence but little else. If Teh’s past films are any indication, Reversi could be a game-changer—or at least a thrilling ride.
Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.