Advantages and Disadvantages of the Latest Film by Raditya Dika 'DIARY OF A CRAZY SON-IN-LAW'

Written by: Adristi Putri Febrianti

Sunil Soraya returns to the directing world after a long involvement as a producer in the film industry. Previously, he was known for the quite controversial film THE SINKING OF THE VAN DER WIJCK SHIP in 2013. However, this year Soraya returns with his latest work titled DIARY OF A CRAZY SON-IN-LAW.

This film is a perfect choice for viewers looking for a different experience outside the horror genre. The story depicts the complex dynamics between in-laws and their children-in-law, presenting various emotions such as frustration, annoyance, and touching moments.

DIARY OF A CRAZY SON-IN-LAW is also interesting because it introduces the first collaboration between Raditya Dika and Ariel Tatum on the big screen. Raditya Dika, who is usually known for comedy, this time showcases a more serious side and adds a new dimension to his character.

An intriguing question arises about how much popularity this film can achieve compared to THE SINKING OF THE VAN DER WIJCK SHIP. So, will the film DIARY OF A CRAZY SON-IN-LAW be as popular as THE SINKING OF THE VAN DER WIJCK SHIP? Check out the review below!

From the writer's perspective, one of the main advantages of this film lies in its plot, which is very relevant to the daily lives of society. From the dynamics of the mother-in-law's presence in the lives of the newlyweds to the conflicts between in-laws and the son-in-law, each scene is carefully crafted so that the issues raised feel profound until the end of the film. This film not only presents family drama but also incorporates elements of light comedy that arise from unexpected characters. Although many assume Raditya Dika would be the main source of comedy, other characters surprisingly manage to deliver more prominent humor, albeit in smaller quantities, but enough to provide a unique atmosphere.

Additionally, this film delves deeper into Batak culture, particularly related to marriage traditions and saur matua. The audience is not only treated to an entertaining story but also given the opportunity to understand and learn more about these rich cultural values.

Overall, Sunil Soraya has succeeded in presenting a film that is not only entertaining but also provides a learning experience and reflection on daily life as well as cultural diversity in Indonesia, conveying profound messages through a well-structured story.

Based on its trailer, this film showcases the bustling life of the Sahat family, which has many family members and nephews. However, in the actual film, that hustle and bustle is not prominently displayed. There are only one or two scenes that show the crowd, while most of the focus is on the dynamics between the in-laws and the son-in-law.

The writer also found some scenes too predictable, such as the blackout and swimming scenes. This makes it possible for some viewers to even guess what will happen next while watching this film.

Additionally, there is one character that the writer feels is less suitable in using the Batak dialect. Although they only appear in one scene, this character's Batak dialect sounds stiff and less natural, which might disturb some viewers. Nevertheless, almost all the cast members in this film are able to master the Batak dialect well and sound very natural. This indicates that their acting preparation, even though some are not from the Batak ethnicity or do not live in a Batak-dialect environment, has been quite good for this film.

Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.