Film Review MUDIK: Not Just a Journey Home but also a Search for Happiness

Kapanlagi.com - Looking at the movie poster of MUDIK by Adrianto Dewo, my heart feels disturbed. Because, Putri Ayudya looks sad and beside her, Abigail Asmara looks downcast. At first glance, she looks like she's half crying. How can't we be disturbed when mudik, which is already associated with happy events, meeting family in the hometown, is juxtaposed with the unhappy expressions of the two characters.

That contradiction seems to be played by director Adrianto Dewo in his second feature film. In a virtual press conference, he mentioned that one of the sources of the idea for this film is that the mass exodus during mudik in Indonesia is also marked by many accidents involving motor vehicle users. The initial concept was then realized in the storyline and character development.

An Interesting Road Movie

Packaged in the form of a road movie, we are given the opportunity to become "passengers" in the journey of Firman (Ibnu Jamil) and Aida (Putri Ayudya). From the beginning, we are invited to peek into the preparations for mudik, packing belongings in bags in the apartment, when in the parking lot before departure, or when we have to stop at a restaurant during the journey. Although new characters will emerge later, the perspective is still maintained from Firman and Aida. 

MUDIK Film Plot

The story of MUDIK begins when Firman and Aida are on their way from Jakarta to Firman's mother's house. Unfortunately, when it's Aida's turn to drive, she hits a motorcyclist on a dark road. Their original plan was just to make a quick visit, but the victim they hit turns out to be dead, and from here a big decision has to be made by both of them.

What will Firman and Aida do next? What will happen to the victim's family? One thing is for sure, this incident will bring shocking tension to the audience. From here, the plot unfolds and reaches its peak when Aida and Firman have to deal with the victim's wife named Santi (Abigail Asmara) and the victim's relatives like Agus (Yoga Pratama) as well as the police.

Tension Since the Beginning of the Film

Just like the tension built in its trailer, throughout the film we will be invited to experience the tension experienced by Aida and Firman. Crashing into someone until they die is not a matter that can be resolved in a day. There are victim's families who need to be calmed down from their anger. There are also police officers who need to be negotiated with. Imagining having to experience something like that on the night of Eid al-Fitr is certainly not something that crosses our minds.

Having Strong Dialogues

The four main characters are then collided in well-orchestrated dialogues. From these dialogues, little by little, we will know the true identity of each character in the film. Thumbs up to both actresses in this story, both Putri Ayudya who appears to be harboring anxiety or the gestures of Abigail Asmara who, although seems straightforward, holds a mystery. As the story unfolds, we will also delve into the actual homecoming journey they are experiencing.

We will be left wondering, what actually fills Aida's mind. What also makes Firman seem distant from his wife? What makes Sinta strong in the midst of grief? What makes Agus and the villagers in a hurry to demand accountability from Aida and Firman. Everything will be answered layer by layer in the film.

Enjoy the Cinematography Side of MUDIK

From a cinematography perspective, like a road movie, Adriyanto Dewo skillfully places shots in the film with views that can be seen from inside the car, whether it's natural scenery or various activities of the homecomers. It's a way to alleviate our longing for going home during this pandemic.

MUDIK is not just a film about the journey home to celebrate Eid in the hometown. Mudik is about the journey of the characters in search of answers to their problems. So this film is no longer limited to the moments of Ramadan and Eid only. When this movie is watched now, it will invite us to enjoy it and once again reflect on it.

(kpl/dka)