The Act of Killing official poster

Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.

Read the film reference Availability and pricing vary by region.
MovieSpoiler-free2-minute brief

The Act of KillingA movie brief.

2012 / Documentary / Directed by Joshua Oppenheimer, Anonymous, Christine Cynn

Unsettling truths from Indonesia's 1965 mass killings.

What is The Act of Killing about?

The Act of Killing follows Indonesian gangsters re-enacting their killings from the 1965 massacres, revealing their actions and emotions. The film explores their psychological journey and the impact of their crimes.

By Brefly · AI-assisted

Five things to know.

  1. Setup

    The film centers on Anwar Congo, an executioner who estimates killing 1,000 people, and his acquaintances, who re-enact their crimes for the camera.

  2. World

    The film is set in Indonesia, where the 1965-66 mass killings of alleged communists and opponents of the New Order regime took place, backed by Western governments.

  3. Pressure

    The filmmakers faced challenges, including mental health tolls on the crew and subjects, and potential backlash from the Indonesian government and paramilitary groups.

  4. Craft

    The film features innovative re-enactments, blending surrealism with realism, and explores the psychology of mass murderers through their own testimonies.

  5. Viewing Note

    The film contains graphic and disturbing content, including scenes of violence and torture, and may be challenging to watch for some audiences.

Brefly’s take / Interpretation

A thought to take with you.

The filmmakers ask former perpetrators to stage scenes from their past in genres they choose, exposing how performance can preserve boasting and allow moments of discomfort to surface. The documentary asks the viewer to consider what reenactment reveals and what it cannot repair.

Is it your kind of movie?

Choose it for a challenging documentary about perpetrators of mass violence and impunity in Indonesia. It contains disturbing reenactments and is not a light historical overview.

Sources & scope

This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.

Source details checked October 2, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach