7 Sad Indonesian Films About Firstborn Children, Proving That Eldest Children Must Be Strong

Kapanlagi.com - Sad Indonesian films about firstborn children present stories that are close to family life, especially about the eldest sibling who has been accustomed to carrying greater responsibilities since childhood. The story of the firstborn is indeed heavy, as they must sacrifice for their younger siblings, fulfill their parents' expectations, and take on the role of family support when circumstances change.

The conflicts presented are also diverse, ranging from family and wealth issues, demands from a father, to the loss of parents that forces the firstborn to take on responsibilities prematurely. In several films, the position of the firstborn becomes the main source of conflict that affects relationships between characters and determines the storyline.

Here are 7 films that can be a choice for you who want to witness stories about family from the perspective of the firstborn. Check out the complete list, presented by KapanLagi, Sunday (9/8).

1. Deliciously Terrifying (2022)

Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap (2022) - image by Imdb

This film directed by Bene Dion Rajagukguk stars Arswendy Beningswara Nasution, Tika Panggabean, Boris Bokir, Gita Bhebhita Butar-butar, Lolox, and Indra Jegel. The story centers on a Batak family in the Lake Toba area who pretend to be getting a divorce to call back their three sons who have migrated.

Domu, the eldest son, works as a state-owned enterprise employee in Bandung, but he harbors personal issues because his romantic relationship with a Sundanese woman does not receive approval from his father. He faces family expectations to adhere to customs and marry a Batak woman, while this life choice becomes part of the conflict that forces him to confront his parents' desires.

This film deserves a place on the must-watch list about eldest children because it presents the conflict between family expectations, cultural values, and personal life choices.

2. Keluarga Cemara (2019)

Keluarga Cemara (2019) - image by Imdb

Directed by Yandy Laurens, the film Keluarga Cemara stars Ringgo Agus Rahman as Abah, Nirina Zubir as Emak, Adhisty Zara as Euis, and Widuri Puteri as Ara. The story begins when Abah gets caught in financial trouble due to his brother's actions, forcing his family to lose the life they had in Jakarta and move to a family inheritance house in Bogor Regency.

Euis, the eldest child who is starting to enter her teenage years, must adapt to a new life that is vastly different from before. She loses the comfort of living in the city, faces a new environment and new friends, and helps support the family’s economy, including selling opak with Emak. This change makes Euis feel disappointed and struggle to accept the situation that befalls her family.

As a sad Indonesian film about the first child, Keluarga Cemara shows how Euis faces family changes while learning to accept the circumstances. The conflicts she experiences are not only related to the loss of comfort but also her relationship with Abah, which becomes tense when Euis feels disappointed with the decisions and conditions of her family. This film is an adaptation of the soap opera Keluarga Cemara, which has been widely known by Indonesian audiences since the 1990s.

3. Later We Will Tell Stories About Today (2020)

Later We Will Tell About Today (2020) - Image by Imdb

Directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko and adapted from a book by Marchella FP, the film Later We Will Tell Stories About Today stars Rio Dewanto as Angkasa, Sheila Dara Aisha as Aurora, and Rachel Amanda as Awan. The story centers around the Narendra family, who harbors past issues that affect the relationship between the parents and their three children.

Angkasa, the first child in the Narendra family, has been given the responsibility by his father since childhood to take care of and protect his two younger siblings. This role has made him accustomed to bearing burdens and personal wounds to keep his family intact. Behind his seemingly strong exterior, Angkasa actually faces emotional conflicts that he has found difficult to express to those closest to him.

The story of Angkasa reveals the vulnerable side of a firstborn child who is used to placing the family's needs above his own feelings. Therefore, Later We Will Tell Stories About Today is relevant to be included in the list of sad Indonesian films about the first child.

4. Check the Next Store (2016)

Check the Next Store (2016) - Image by Imdb

Directed by Ernest Prakasa, the film Check the Next Store stars Dion Wiyoko as Yohan, Ernest Prakasa as Erwin, Adinia Wirasti as Ayu, and Chew Kin Wah as Koh Afuk. The story centers around a family of a grocery store owner who faces issues when Koh Afuk begins to consider who will take over the business.

Yohan, Koh Afuk's eldest son, feels disappointed when his father chooses Erwin, his younger brother, to take over the store. Yohan, who has a family of his own, must confront the reality that being the eldest son does not automatically make him his father's top choice. This difference in treatment brings forth feelings of disappointment and conflicts that have been hidden in their relationship.

As an Indonesian film about the eldest child, Check the Next Store is interesting because it shows another side of the life of the eldest child who feels undervalued despite having hopes for their family and parents. Yohan's conflict with Koh Afuk also illustrates how parental decisions can affect sibling relationships.

5. Saturday with Dad (2016)

Saturday with Father (2016) - Image by Imdb

Directed by Monty Tiwa and adapted from a novel by Adhitya Mulya, the film Saturday with Dad stars Abimana Aryasatya as Gunawan, Ira Wibowo as Itje, Arifin Putra as Satya, and Deva Mahenra as Cakra. The story follows the life of Gunawan and Itje's family after the father passes away, including the messages he recorded for his two sons before his departure.

Satya, the eldest son, grows up following the messages conveyed by his father through video recordings. As an adult and having his own family, he strives to apply those values in fulfilling his role as a husband and father. However, his desire to run the family according to the principles he believes in affects his relationship with his wife and forces him to reevaluate how he treats his family.

As a sad Indonesian film about the eldest child, Saturday with Dad shows how a parent's messages and hopes can shape the way the eldest child lives their life after adulthood. Satya not only faces the loss of his father figure but also the responsibilities of being the eldest child who must then build his own family. This conflict makes the film relevant in exploring how family burdens can carry over into someone becoming a husband and father.

6. Father, Where Is This Heading, Yes? (2026)

Father, Which Way Is This Going, Yes (2026) - image by Imdb

Directed by Kuntz Agus and adapted from a book of the same name by Khoirul Trian, the film Father, Where Is This Heading, Yes? stars Mawar Eva de Jongh as Dira, Dwi Sasono as Yudi, Rey Bong as Darin, and Unique Priscilla as Lia. The story centers around a family that lives and runs a business at a warung called Soto Bu Lia.

Dira, the eldest child, grows up with her mother and younger sibling with a father who is physically present but not truly emotionally available. When a stove explosion injures her mother severely, the family's situation becomes increasingly difficult, and Dira must take on a bigger role to help support her family's life. She even has to face the choice between pursuing her own future or finding a job to help the family's economy.

This sad Indonesian film about the first child shows how Dira must confront adult responsibilities when her family is in crisis. Her position as the eldest child puts her at the forefront of family issues, while at the same time, she still needs guidance from a father figure who has always felt emotionally distant.

7. Everything Will Be Alright (2026)

Everything Will Be Alright (2026) - image by Imdb

Directed by Baim Wong, the film Everything Will Be Alright stars Reza Rahadian as Langit, Christine Hakim as Mother Wida, and Raihaanun as Bintang. The story begins with the sudden death of Mentari, which forces her three siblings, Langit, Bintang, and Banyu, to come together and take responsibility for caring for the three children she left behind.

Langit, the oldest son in the family, must take on the role of a parental figure for his three nieces and nephews. However, this responsibility is not easy, as Malika, Mentari's eldest child, still struggles to accept Langit's presence after losing her mother. At the same time, Langit must also face issues with Shaffa and Alim, as well as family conflicts that arise after Mentari's death.

As a sad Indonesian film about the first child, Everything Will Be Alright is compelling because it shows how the position of being the oldest child can bring someone into significant responsibilities when the family experiences loss. Langit must strive to be a reliable figure for his nieces and nephews, even though he himself is still facing issues and is not fully ready for that role.

8. Questions About Sad Indonesian Movies About Firstborn Children

1. Which Indonesian movie is most relatable for firstborn children?

Ngeri-Ngeri Sedap and Nanti Kita Cerita Tentang Hari Ini are most often mentioned because they detail the pressures faced by firstborns and are close to everyday life.

2. Are these films based on true stories?

Most are adapted from popular novels, such as Sabtu Bersama Bapak and Ayah, Ini Arahnya ke Mana, Ya?, rather than real events from a specific family.

3. Where can these films be watched?

Some older titles are available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ Hotstar, while the latest titles are still showing in theaters.

4. Why are firstborn children often portrayed as sad in Indonesian films?

Firstborns are usually expected to be role models and family supporters from a young age, making their conflicts easily understood and felt by the audience.

5. Which movie is suitable to watch with family?

Keluarga Cemara and Sabtu Bersama Bapak are suitable for family viewing because they convey messages about loss and acceptance.

(kpl/rul)