Sehidup Semati (2024) Review: Psychological Horror, Marriage, and Domestic Violence

 

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

Renata, trapped in a marriage filled with violence and suspicions of her husband's infidelity, meets Asmara, her apartment neighbor, who gradually brings change into her 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 her deeply, which convinced Renata to marry him. But her vision of a happy marriage is eventually shattered when Edwin changes and begins physically abusing her.

The situation becomes even more painful because Renata is unable to have children.

Renata grew up in a dysfunctional family and witnessed her mother being treated in much the same way by her father. Yet her mother always taught her that a woman must do everything possible to preserve her marriage.

The same belief continues to reach Renata through religious sermons she hears on television and in church: a woman should submit to her husband regardless of the circumstances.

Because of everything she has been taught, Renata chooses to remain in her marriage despite the mistreatment she receives.

Her situation becomes even more disturbing when she begins to suspect that Edwin has another woman in his life—someone who may even be hiding inside their apartment.

Renata repeatedly hears humming coming from a particular room and notices that some of her belongings have been moved. Edwin insists that everything is merely a figment of Renata's imagination.

Then Renata meets Asmara (Asmara Abigail), a woman who dresses provocatively and lives very differently from her.

Asmara chooses to live freely without worrying too much about society's judgment. She feels sorry for Renata's situation and cannot understand why Renata continues to stay in such a toxic marriage.

Renata gradually begins opening up to Asmara and tells her about the problems she has been experiencing, including the strange sounds coming from her apartment.

She also tells Asmara about Ana, a woman whom her mother is trying to find after she mysteriously disappeared. Renata suspects that Ana is Edwin's mistress and that she may currently be hiding somewhere inside their apartment.

As Renata and Asmara grow closer, changes begin to emerge in Renata's personality.

Will Renata be able to maintain her marriage?

 

Review

Sehidup Semati explores a compelling theme that is closely connected to beliefs that still exist in parts of society.

Some communities continue to hold deeply patriarchal views in which women are considered inferior to men. These beliefs can contribute to men or husbands treating their partners and wives as though they are entitled to control them.

At the same time, women are often encouraged to remain in their marriages regardless of the circumstances because marriage is viewed as something that should last for life—sehidup semati, roughly meaning “together for life and death.”

Divorce can still carry shame, particularly for women. As a result, some women may feel pressured to endure suffering within their marriages even when they experience physical or psychological domestic violence.

This theme is presented in a very artistic and thoughtful way.

The film uses numerous analogies, symbols, and indirect forms of dialogue to communicate the circumstances experienced by its characters. Even the characters' thoughts are expressed in distinctive ways, giving the film a strong psychological quality.

Some of the dialogue contains strong language, particularly the lines delivered by Asmara. However, it never feels excessive or out of context. Instead, the language adds weight to what the characters are saying and fits Asmara's personality.

At the same time, the film's focus on one particular religious perspective makes the subject matter sensitive. It could potentially create different reactions among viewers, particularly those who belong to that religious community.

For that reason, the film is best approached with an open mind, allowing its ideas to be considered without immediately turning the discussion into an emotional confrontation.

The music, camerawork, editing, and color composition are also very interesting.

One particularly effective detail is the contrast between the decoration and color palette of Renata's apartment and Asmara's apartment. The differences visually reflect how different the two women are in personality and outlook.

The story is presented systematically, but it is not particularly easy to predict. At times, this may make the film slightly confusing. However, the eventual plot twist becomes one of its most distinctive attractions.

Because of this, Sehidup Semati is a film that requires attention. Viewers need to watch carefully to understand what is actually happening beneath the surface.

The performances are excellent.

Laura Basuki portrays Renata very convincingly. Her commitment to the character can also be seen in the way she changes her appearance to suit Renata's circumstances.

The chemistry between Laura Basuki and Asmara Abigail is also very strong. Their interactions feel natural rather than stiff, and the dialogue is delivered effectively by the entire cast.

Sehidup Semati can be considered a fairly successful Indonesian thriller because it presents horror from a different perspective.

There are no ghosts or excessive jump scares. Instead, the film creates horror through a situation in which fear emerges from the mind and psyche.

The most frightening thing is not necessarily something supernatural. Sometimes, it is the reality a person has been forced to accept for so long that it begins to feel impossible to escape.

This film is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers and horror stories that explore the human mind.

 

Memorable Scene

Renata gathers the courage to visit Asmara's apartment and spend some time talking with her.

For the first time, Renata tries to release some of the anxiety she has been carrying. She accepts a glass of alcohol offered by Asmara.

But instead of stopping at one glass, Renata eventually drinks the entire bottle, releasing another side of herself that she has suppressed for so long.

This scene shows the transformation of a woman who has always been quiet, gentle, and afraid into someone much more expressive and full of color.

It also reflects how people often suppress their emotions simply to maintain the appearance that everything is fine.

But the self still needs a trigger to break free from those restraints.

Sometimes, what we suppress does not disappear. It simply waits for an opportunity to emerge.

 
Memorable Dialogue

“Whatever happens, I have to maintain my marriage.”

 

Ending

Twist Ending

 

Recommendation

Must watch.

 

(Aluna Uwie)

 

Had been published in Alunauwie.com
"This article was originally written in Indonesian and has been adapted into English for international readers."

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