Watch Halfworlds

Halfworlds is a fantasy/horror series created and produced by HBO Asia, set and filmed entirely in Jakarta, Indonesia. The show premiered in November 2015 and has two seasons, with a total of 16 episodes. The story revolves around a secret world that exists alongside modern-day Jakarta: a place where half-human, half-supernatural beings known as 'Demits' live among humans. Demits are divided between two factions: the "good" ones who are sworn to protect humans and maintain the balance between the two worlds, and the "bad" ones who seek to overthrow the current hierarchy and rule Halfworlds with their own twisted agenda.

The protagonist of the show is Sarah (played by Salirah Aga), a demit who works as a street artist in Jakarta. She discovers that she is the key to an ancient prophecy that could either save or doom Halfworlds, and finds herself pursued by both factions. Along the way she allies herself with several other characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.

One of Sarah's allies is Tony (Arifin Putra), a human who is drawn into the world of Demits when he begins investigating a mysterious death. He eventually becomes embroiled in the conflict between the two factions, and must navigate the dangerous politics of Halfworlds in order to survive.

Other important characters include Barata (Reza Rahadian), a Demit and leader of the good faction who is tasked with protecting Sarah; and Gusti (Bront Palarae), a Demit who wants to overthrow Barata and take control of Halfworlds for himself.

The show combines elements of Indonesian myth and culture with contemporary urban settings, creating a unique and immersive world. The Demits themselves are visually striking, with elaborate costumes and makeup that reflect their supernatural abilities and personalities. The show also features a mix of action, horror, and drama, with plenty of suspenseful moments and unexpected twists throughout.

One of the strengths of Halfworlds is the way it explores complex themes such as power, identity, and morality. The conflict between the two factions is not simply a matter of good vs. evil; both sides are shown to have their own flaws and motivations, and characters often find themselves questioning their loyalties and allegiances. The show also touches on issues such as discrimination and prejudice, as the Demits are often treated as outcasts and second-class citizens by humans.

Another unique aspect of the show is its use of Indonesian language and culture. The characters often switch between Indonesian and English, creating a sense of authenticity and immersion in the setting. The show also incorporates elements of traditional Indonesian music and dance, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Overall, Halfworlds is a compelling and well-crafted series that combines supernatural horror with complex characters and themes. It is a testament to HBO Asia's commitment to producing quality programming that reflects the diversity and richness of Asian culture.

Halfworlds is a series that ran for 2 seasons (16 episodes) between and on HBO