Review 'Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy', a Short Film that You Can Experience or Happen Around You

Kapanlagi.com - Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy, one of the short films by Khozy Rizal that has been screened at various international festivals such as CMC International Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, Festival du Film de Fribourg Switzerland, Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and Cannes Film Festival 2023. The director of this film is from Makassar, so it's no wonder that the language used in the film is Makassar.

Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy tells the story of a married couple, Basri (Arham Rizki Saputra) and Salma (Rezky Chiki). They have been married for five years, have no children, and work as street performers.

Although they appear happy together, there is pressure from their families about why Basri and Salma still don't have children. Not only that, other problems in their family are also presented clearly and concisely in this 15-minute film.

1. Relatable Story and Cinematography

The choice of story settings and the atmosphere built in Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy will surely make you feel like you have seen or experienced the events in this film in your daily life. Starting from the night market and the cheerful children running here and there, the sunset atmosphere combined with the sound of the Maghrib call to prayer, songs played in the merry-go-round, and chatting while eating together with family. All the daily events that are very close to us can be seen in the scenes or shots.

The story that highlights the daily lives of Basri and Salma straightforwardly addresses domestic issues that often occur in Indonesian society. From the conversation scene at the dining table, Khozy evokes our emotions through family issues that are actually sensitive but often normalized in society. We can also feel how Khozy invites us to always see individuals as a whole, not just what is visible on the surface. This is clearly depicted through the character of Basri's brother who is a mokondo (a term commonly used among netizens nowadays for a man who does not work and just lounges around at home, even demanding to be served his inner needs).

Although showing the traditionalism of family members, Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy also shows that their characters are actually very up-to-date. The characters are portrayed as actively updating on social media and capturing their togetherness by creating boomerang videos on Instagram. Small things that often happen around us.

2. Acting of the Cast Makes You Feel the Emotions

The actors and actresses in Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy are not the usual film stars we see in theaters, but that's what makes it interesting.

Arham and Rezky successfully portray Basri and Salma. Although Rezky is taller than Arham, who plays her husband, their chemistry is really sweet. The scene where they go home on a tricycle is also sweet and romantic, making you smile without the need for a scene where the female lead almost falls and is helped by the male lead.

Basri's expression when he is mentioned as the only one who doesn't have children can also make the audience feel how pressured he is behind his smile for his family.

3. Khozy Rizal's Fluency in Storytelling

With the limited duration of a short film, Khozy presents many scenes that touch on social conditions. The dialogues, which tend to be vulgar, may make some people uncomfortable while watching. But it can be understood why those dialogues are necessary to explain the character's personality.

From the argument dialogue, Basri's daydreaming, to the climax scene, they are presented to echo the main theme of this film, which is a protest against the common social order in society.

4. Can be Watched in Online Theaters

Fifteen minutes will not feel long when watching Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy. The story is packed, although there are some scenes that can be said to be intentionally exaggerated. The mystery of why Basri and Salma do not have children will also be answered if you watch until the end. While leaving us with questions, are we Basri and Salma? Or are we the people who make others like Basri and Salma?

For those who want to watch Basri & Salma in a Never-Ending Comedy, you can watch it in Online Theaters! Let's support the talented original works of Indonesian filmmakers.

(kpl/pit)