The Big 4

Timo Tjahjanto’s "The Big 4" Blends Action and Comedy—But Behind the Scenes, the Cast Was in Stitches

Indonesian director Timo Tjahjanto’s The Big 4 (2022) arrived on Netflix as a high-octane mix of action and comedy, but the film’s behind-the-scenes chaos might be just as entertaining as the on-screen mayhem. Starring Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, and a crew of Indonesia’s most bankable talents, the movie follows four retired assassins forced back into the game—with predictably explosive results. Yet, while the trailer promised over-the-top fight sequences, latestnetflix.com contends, the cast’s off-camera antics suggest the real fun happened between takes.

A Director Who Loves the Chaos

Tjahjanto, known for his visceral horror and action films (The Night Comes for Us, May the Devil Take You), leaned into the absurdity of The Big 4’s premise. The film’s 141-minute runtime —packed with fight scenes, one-liners, and a healthy dose of Indonesian humor—hints at a production that embraced both precision and playfulness. While the director’s reputation for intense action sequences is well-documented , the comedic tone of The Big 4 suggests he was just as willing to let the cast improvise.

That improvisation led to some unexpected moments. In a promotional video, Tjahjanto and the cast—including Arie Kriting and Kristo Immanuel—jokingly took on the role of film commentators, breaking down scenes with exaggerated reactions . The lighthearted approach extended to behind-the-scenes footage, where the actors appeared to be in near-constant laughter. One clip even shows the cast playfully reenacting a chaotic fire drill gone wrong, with Arie Kriting and Kristo Immanuel getting "scolded" by a crew member . Whether these moments were staged for promotion or genuine bloopers remains unclear, but they paint a picture of a set where the cast’s chemistry was as much a priority as the action.

The Cast’s Off-Camera Chemistry

The ensemble cast—featuring Abimana Aryasatya, Putri Marino, Lutesha, and others—seemed to thrive in the film’s blend of genres. Aryasatya, a veteran of Indonesian action films, likely brought gravitas to his role, while Marino and Lutesha balanced the tone with comedic timing. But it was the supporting players, like Arie Kriting and Kristo Immanuel, who stole some of the spotlight in behind-the-scenes content.

In a Netflix Indonesia featurette, the cast spilled details about their off-camera dynamic, revealing a mix of camaraderie and controlled chaos . While specifics are scarce, the clips suggest a production where the actors leaned into their roles—and each other—with enthusiasm. One particularly telling moment shows the cast playfully ribbing each other during a promotional interview, hinting at a set where the line between scripted and unscripted was delightfully blurred.

A Mixed Reception, But a Clear Vision

Critically, The Big 4 landed with a thud in some circles, earning a modest 5.8/10 on SensCritique based on 79 votes . Yet, the film’s ambition is undeniable. Tjahjanto’s signature style—brutal action punctuated by dark humor—shines through, even if the balance between comedy and carnage didn’t resonate with everyone. The trailer alone, packed with slow-motion fight scenes and exaggerated reactions, promised a film that didn’t take itself too seriously .

Whether The Big 4 will be remembered as a cult hit or a misfire remains to be seen, but the behind-the-scenes content offers a compelling glimpse into its making. If nothing else, the cast’s evident enjoyment suggests that, for them, the real victory was the chaos they created together.