The Act of Killing
In this chilling and groundbreaking documentary, former Indonesian death squad leaders reenact their real-life mass killings in the style of various film genres. As they recreate their past atrocities, the line between reality and performance blurs, exposing the lingering impact of Indonesia's 1965-66 anti-communist purge and the unsettling psychology of its perpetrators.
Ratings
Based on audience scoresWhere to stream The Act of Killing
Streaming now in the United States on Kanopy and Fawesome.
Rent or buy in the United States on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home.
Trailers and promos
Official US Trailer
Festival Trailer
Mark Kermode reviews The Act of Killing (2012) | BFI Player
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Frequently asked questions about The Act of Killing
Where can I watch The Act of Killing in the United States?
The Act of Killing is available to stream on Kanopy and Fawesome in the United States, and to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home. Streaming availability is provided by JustWatch and can change over time.
Can I watch The Act of Killing for free?
The Act of Killing streams free with ads in the United States on Kanopy and Fawesome. A subscription is not required, though the service may ask you to register.
What are the ratings for The Act of Killing?
The Act of Killing scores 7.7 on The Movie Database, 8.2 on IMDb, 85% on Rotten Tomatoes, and 84 on Metacritic.
Who stars in The Act of Killing?
The Act of Killing stars Anwar Congo, Herman Koto, Syamsul Arifin, Ibrahim Sinik, and Yapto Soerjosoemarno. Joshua Oppenheimer is the director.
How long is The Act of Killing?
The Act of Killing runs 2h 39m (159 minutes).
When did The Act of Killing come out?
The Act of Killing was released on November 1, 2012.
Which studio made The Act of Killing?
The Act of Killing was produced by Final Cut for Real, Piraya Film, and Novaya Zemlya in Denmark, Norway, and the United Kingdom.
What was the budget for The Act of Killing?
The Act of Killing was made on a budget of $1,000,000.
How much did The Act of Killing make at the box office?
The Act of Killing grossed $722,714 worldwide, against a budget of $1,000,000.
What language is The Act of Killing in?
The Act of Killing is in Danish.
Ratings and streaming availability are aggregated from third-party sources; metadata from The Movie Database (TMDB), streaming data from JustWatch. This product uses the TMDB API but is not endorsed or certified by TMDB. Streaming availability checked September 2026.