'Chilling' mystery thriller A Normal Woman 'layered in secrets' looks unmissable

Set in Jakarta, the story introduces Milla, who shares a seemingly perfect life with her husband, Johnathan.

The official synopsis continues: "When Milla (36 years old), a socialite and meek housewife, believes she has contracted a mysterious illness with no cure, she starts to spiral into madness. 

"She is betrayed not just by the mutiny in her body, but also by the disbelief and rejection from her own family. 

"Only when she starts sabotaging the mythical perfection of her rosy life, can she finally transform into a healed, new, if impure self."

Leading the cast is Marissa Anita (Ali and the Queens, Impetigore), alongside her onscreen husband Dion Wiyoko (Check Store Next Door, Sore: Wife from the Future).

The supporting cast includes Gisella Anastasia, Mima Shafa, Widyawati, Maya Hasan, Kiki Narendra, Sari Koeswoyo and Hatta Rahandy. 

A Normal Woman marks a major moment for director Lucky Kuswandi (In the Absence of the Sun, The Fox Exploits the Tiger's Might). 

It's his first collaboration with Netflix under his own production company, Soda Machine Films – part of the streamer's broader commitment to spotlighting local filmmaking talent.

Early reactions have been positive. Netflix Junkie described it as "undeniably captivating", writing: "Netflix is now adding another gripping Indonesian mystery to its library with A Normal Woman, a tale layered in secrets."

Meanwhile, Martin Cid Magazine called it "chilling", praising Marissa Anita's "compelling lead performance" and the director-actor collaboration: "[The film] leverages Kuswandi’s talent for nuanced social commentary and Anita’s gift for inhabiting complex female characters."