Brief Story Line
Four people who met online gathered in one place to do group suicide by using a large bomb made out of fireworks. They consisted of the man who created the bomb and used pseudonym of Langit Mendung/Cloudy Sky (Donny Damara - The Big 4, Rentang Kisah etc), another man who called himself Anggrek Hitam/Black Orchid (Ringgo Agus Rachman - Jomblo, Keluarga Cemara etc), a woman who used pseudonym Tengkorak Putih/White Skull (Marsha Timothy - Marlina Si Pembunuh dalam 4 Babak, Noktah Merah Perkawinan etc) and a high school student named Anggun (Hanggini - Geez & Ann, Para Betina Pengikut Iblis etc).
However, when the bomb was detonated, somehow it failed to kill them and instead returned them to the first time they met.
So how would the story conclude? You could find out in this movie.
End of Brief Story Line
I know that the synopsis in Netflix did not really reveal what made me interested in watching this, but it was highlighted during the theatrical release. So I think it should be fine to mention it in this post. As you could see in the story line I said above, the suicide failed and the people were experiencing time loop. Since I like this kind of premise, I was intrigued in finding out what would happen even though the topic itself was really heavy about suicide.
Movie started off with the introduction of the characters which was done smoothly, likely due to the capacity of the experienced lead cast. I could immediately sense their confidence and their acting was very natural. It should not be surprising considering they all received multiple award nominations in the past and even won few of them. I also liked the fact that it did not take long for the first time loop to occur. Subsequently, the story developed into something interesting as the characters became preoccupied in finding ways to proceed with their plan.
As predicted, the movie would also focus on why these people wanted to commit suicide. Now this was where I personally felt the quality was a bit reduced as the support cast seemed pale in comparison to the main cast. Even Vino Bastian who is usually very good did not feel convincing. But the movie did become more dramatic as we find out more on the background of the 4 lead characters. Aside from the predictable ending, I think the story telling was great and the movie should be an eye opener of how sometimes people could feel their world ending and chose such way out. Which is why the message in the closing credit was very important.
The movie was directed by Herwin Novianto who won awards for directing critically acclaimed films like Tanah Surga... Katanya and Aisyah: Biarkan Kami Bersaudara. Meanwhile the writer was Alim Sudio (who wrote hit movies like Surga Yang Tak Dirindukan and Ayat-Ayat Cinta 2). I guess the producers did not want to take any chances and opted to hire those who have the experience of making heavy drama movies such as this. The musical background was so so, but I did not enjoy the song during closing credit. Even my wife who heard it felt the same as she was relieved when it finally finished. Luckily there were some interesting mid end credit scenes to accompany me. Btw, in the credits, I noticed that it was based on Japanese movie titled 3Ft Ball & Souls which was written, edited & directed by Yoshio Kato. It was fairly disappointing cause I really thought this was an original Indonesian movie.
Overall to me this is a drama movie of heavy topics that was made interesting due to combining the element of time-loop. It was supported by good acting of the lead cast but would probably be better if the other cast were able to match their performance. I think the movie was not a huge success commercially probably because of the topic. But such film might be more well received by specific audience anyway. So if you are looking for movie such as this, you would likely be able to enjoy it compared to those who prefer blockbuster type.
Mike's movie moments rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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