Movie Review Sehidup Semati (2024)

 

Sehidup Semati (2024)

Sehidup Semati (Another Title: Till Death Do Us Part) | 2024 | 1h 48m
Genre: Horror/Thriller | Country: Indonesia 
Director: Upi Avianto | Writers: Upi Avianto
Cast: Laura Basuki, Ario Bayu, Asmara Abigail
IMDb: 6.3
My Rate: 10/10

Renata, living in a marriage filled with violence and suspicion of her husband's infidelity, meets Asmara, her apartment neighbor, who brings change into Renata's life.

 

Warning:

Contains scenes of violence, strong language, sensitive topics, smoking, and alcohol.

 

Synopsis of Sehidup Semati:

Renata (Laura Basuki) lives in a marriage filled with violence. Her husband, Edwin (Ario Bayu), initially seemed to love Renata so much that Renata decided to marry him. However, the vision of a happy marriage is shattered. Edwin changes and often physically abuses her. This is exacerbated by Renata's inability to have children in the marriage.

Renata, who was born into a dysfunctional family, always sees her mother treated the same way by her father. However, her mother always tells her that a woman must try to maintain her marriage. This dogma continues to be heard from religious sermons played on television or in church, where a woman must submit to her husband no matter what.

Due to all the principles she has heard, Renata chooses to maintain her marriage despite the many bad treatments she receives. Especially since Edwin seems to have another woman in his life, who is suspected to be hidden in their apartment. Renata hears humming from that room several times and also sees some items being moved. Although Edwin says it's all just Renata's illusion.

Renata meets Asmara (Asmara Abigail), who is dressed in a sexy way. Asmara is very different from Renata. She chooses to live freely and doesn't care about society's view of her. Asmara feels a little sorry for Renata's situation and regrets why Renata continues to stay in this toxic marriage.

Renata starts to open up to Asmara a little and tells her about the problems she has been facing, including the sounds she hears in her apartment. And her suspicion of Ana, the woman her mother is searching for because she is reported to have disappeared without a trace. Renata suspects that Ana is Edwin's mistress and is currently in their apartment.

Renata and Asmara's relationship grows closer, and changes start to appear in Renata's personality. Will Renata be able to maintain her marriage?

 
Review of Sehidup Semati:

Sehidup Semati raises a theme that is quite interesting and relates to the understanding that prevails in society. Some segments of society still have a strong patriarchal understanding where women are considered to be inferior to men. So many men or husbands become arbitrary towards their partners or wives.

On the other hand, women are urged to stay in all conditions of marriage because of the understanding that marriage is once in a lifetime ‘Sehidup Semati’. Divorce is still considered shameful for women. So women endure pain in their marriages even if they experience physical or mental domestic violence.

This theme is presented very well and artistically. Many analogies, symbols, and indirect dialogues are used to explain the conditions and situations experienced by the characters. Even the thoughts of the characters are expressed in a unique way.

Many dialogues may use strong language, especially those uttered by the character Asmara. However, it doesn't feel excessive and out of context. It actually adds to the meaning of the dialogue delivered. In addition, it's in line with the character of the character.

However, this theme becomes a little sensitive because it focuses from the perspective of one religion. This could cause pros and cons in society, especially from the followers of that religion. It needs to be approached with a more open mind so that emotions don't get inflamed.

The choice of music, camerawork, editing techniques, and color composition are very interesting. Like the difference in decoration and color in Renata and Asmara's apartments. This shows how different the characters of the two are.

The story is presented systematically with a story that is not easily guessed. It might be a little confusing for some people. However, the plot twist presented becomes a unique attraction of this film. So in watching this film, viewers have to watch seriously to understand what is happening.

The acting of the actors is very good. Laura can represent the character of Renata very well. Total commitment is also shown by Laura, where she conditions her appearance according to her character. The chemistry between Laura and Asmara is also very good. Everything looks natural and not stiff. The delivery of dialogue by each actor is also very good.

It can be said that this film is a fairly successful Indonesian thriller film in presenting a different side of horror. Not with ghosts or startling sound effects. But, building a situation where the horror becomes a fear that arises from the mind and psyche. Highly recommended for filmmakers who enjoy films with a psychological thriller theme.

 

Memorable Scene:

Renata gathers the courage to visit Asmara's apartment to chat. Renata, who wants to relieve her anxiety for the first time, tries a glass of the alcoholic drink offered by Asmara. However, it ends with Renata drinking the entire bottle and releasing another side of herself that has been suppressed all this time.

In this scene, it can be seen how the character of Renata, known for being quiet, gentle, and full of fear, breaks free and becomes someone full of color. This shows how people often try to suppress their emotions just to appear okay. But it turns out that the self still needs a trigger to break free from constraints.

 
Memorable Dialogue:

"Whatever happens, I have to maintain my marriage."

 

Ending:

Twist Ending

 

Recommendation:

Must Watch

 

(Aluna)


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