An under the radar drama has just been released on Netflix and has already made a big impact on viewers
Netflix’s ‘buried gem’ could be the ‘top show of 2025’ (Image: NETFLIX)
Netflix subscribers shouldn’t miss this outstanding yet obscure series that has just landed on the platform to widespread critical acclaim. Despite not being the most-watched show on the streaming service this week, it’s already being touted as one of the top shows of 2025, just days into January.
Acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, the mastermind behind the Oscar-nominated and Palme d’Or-winning Shoplifters, brings us Asura, a gripping drama that follows four sisters in 1979 Tokyo as they uncover a shocking family secret.
After exposing their ageing father’s decade-long affair and secret son with another woman, the sisters must come to terms with the truth and navigate its impact on their lives.
All seven episodes of Asura are now available to stream, and the show has already garnered rave reviews from early fans, who have taken to social media to praise its excellence. One enthusiastic viewer commented on Reddit: “Finished first episode and Man! It’s good.
Four sisters discover a shocking secret about their father ( Image:
NETFLIX) “It’s the way it’s shot, the music, the dialogues, and how real and genuine they feel, and the best part is the chemistry between these sisters.”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying: “Came here to say exactly this. Can’t wait to watch the rest of this series. So far, everything about it is perfect”, reports the Mirror US.
A third fan observed: “It’s crazy how identifiable yet nonintrusive his style of directing is,” adding, “I didn’t know about it in advance, and I just hit ‘play’ because it came up on Netflix. Within the first 10 seconds, I thought, ‘Oh this must be Kore-eda!'”
One impressed viewer praised the show’s authenticity, posting on X: “Finished watching #Asura on Netflix, best thing about veteran Japanese actors and actresses are…. they always make it feel like they are not acting at all…. truly feel like watching a documentary of messy family members in need of therapy.”
On the other hand, some fans have slammed Netflix for not promoting the series as much as other titles, despite its quality.
“I hope Netflix keeps on scooping up the indies,” a viewer said. “With little hullabaloo some real gems are buried there. Had little publicity or distribution. Prime Video still has some. Check out your favs.”
A frustrated X user fumed more bluntly: “WHY THE F*** WASN’T THIS PROMOTED MORE AND ONLY NOW JUST FINDING OUT.”
All seven episodes of Asura are streaming now ( Image:
NETFLIX) Asura has been named the “first great show of 2025” by The Daily Beast, which wrote: “The year’s first grand television surprise, and additional confirmation that few filmmakers are as empathetic, nimble, and masterful as Kore-eda.”
Meanwhile, Decider urged its readers to “STREAM IT!” saying: “these complex performances and realistically woven story threads are the backbone of a drama that’s not simply a soap opera, but a delicately balanced story of the plight of women.”
With popular shows like Squid Game, American Primeval, and the returning The Night Agent likely taking up much of your streaming schedule this month, Asura is definitely worth watching, even if it’s easily missed at first.
Asura is available to stream on Netflix.