Synopsis of the Film SAMSARA and Complete Cast Profile, About a Tragic Love Story

Kapanlagi.com - The film SAMSARA by renowned director Garin Nugroho is set to captivate audiences with its unique format. This film is presented in silent black and white, accompanied by a blend of gamelan and electronic music.

The synopsis of the film SAMSARA is set against the backdrop of Balinese mythology in the early 20th century. The story combines elements of romance and dark rituals. The cinematic experience offered by SAMSARA is guaranteed to be different from other films.

The main story centers on Darta, a poor young man entangled in an obsession with love and wealth. He must face the terrible consequences of the shortcut he has chosen. For more details, check here.

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1. The Love Story of Darta and Sinta

The Love Story of Darta and Sinta (credit: Cineria Films)

The film SAMSARA opens with the story of a young man named Darta. He comes from a modest family in Bali. One day, Darta falls in love with Sinta, a beautiful girl of European descent from a wealthy family.

Their friendship since childhood gradually develops into deep seeds of love. However, the difference in social and economic status becomes a significant barrier to their relationship.

2. Darta's Shortcut: A Dark Pact with the Monkey King

Shortcut Darta: Dark Pact with the Monkey King (credit: Cineria Films)

However, their differing social strata create obstacles in the love story of Darta and Sinta. Darta's proposal is outright rejected by Sinta's parents, triggering uncontrollable anger and obsession within Darta.

Darta decides to take a shortcut to gain wealth. He makes a dark pact with a mysterious entity, the Monkey King. The ritual he performs is successful, and Darta suddenly becomes immensely wealthy. Now, Darta possesses abundant riches and has managed to gain Sinta's family's approval.

3. The Curse of Wealth Haunts Darta's Household

The Curse of Wealth Haunts Darta's Household (credit: Cineria Films)

The wealth that Darta acquired through the dark pact brings a terrifying curse to his wife and child. They begin to experience unimaginable suffering. Yes, the happiness built on that dark agreement turns out to carry very heavy consequences. The instant wealth becomes the beginning of an unexpected disaster.

Darta and Sinta's household relationship slowly starts to crack, colored by mystical events that haunt their lives. Their family's tranquility is disturbed by supernatural forces. When Darta tries to deny his pact, the Monkey King becomes furious and seeks revenge. Will Darta succeed in escaping from his dark agreement?

4. Ario Bayu Brings to Life the Obsessive Character Darta

Ario Bayu Brings to Life the Obsessive Character Darta (credit: Cineria Films)

Top Indonesian actor, Ario Bayu, is trusted to play the main character Darta in the film SAMSARA. He is a young man from a poor family in Bali who falls in love with Sinta. Meanwhile, Ario Bayu is known as an Indonesian actor born on February 6, 1985. He is popular for playing in various films such as LASKA PELANGI, PINTU TERLARANG, RUMAH DARA, SOEKARNO, GADIS KRETEK, and others.

5. Juliet Widyasari Burnett Shines as Sinta

Juliet Widyasari Burnett (credit: Cineria Films)

The character Sinta, a beautiful girl of European descent from a wealthy family, is portrayed by Juliet Widyasari Burnett. Her presence becomes the center of the romantic conflict in SAMSARA. Meanwhile, Juliet Widyasari Burnett is known as an international ballet dancer of Indonesian-Australian descent. She also started her career as a dancer before eventually entering the film world.

Juliet has also performed and choreographed in a dance film titled Letting Blood in 2016. In addition, various achievements have been attained by Juliet such as the Telstra Ballet Dancer Award in 2009, the first solo dancer to become part of the Royal Ballet of Flanders in 2016, and Best Achievement in Dance in the Film Letting Blood in 2017.

6. I Putu Bagus Bang Sada Graha Saputra: The Mysterious Figure Behind the Monkey King

I Putu Bagus Bang Sada Graha Saputra (credit: Cineria Films)

The character of the Monkey King, a supernatural entity that is key to Darta's dark pact, is played by I Putu Bagus Bang Sada Graha Saputra, affectionately known as Gus Bang Sada. He is known to hail from Bali and is a choreographer and dancer. The film SAMSARA marks his feature film debut.

7. A Lineup of Supporting Actors Who Are Just as Important

List of Supporting Cast for SAMSARA (credit: Cineria Films)

In addition to the main cast, SAMSARA is also supported by a lineup of other talented actors and actresses who further enrich the story. Their presence completes every scene.

• Valetine Payen-Wicaksono
• Tara Anindya Butterfly
• Cok Sawitri
• Alit Aryani Williems
• Siko Setyanto

8. Film SAMSARA Screening Schedule in Indonesian Cinemas

The film SAMSARA had its world premiere on May 10, 2024, at Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore. The first screening in Indonesia will take place on August 16, 2024, at the Mega Festival Indonesia Bertutur, Bali.

This film also has the honor of being the opening film of the 19th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) in 2024. For fans in the homeland, SAMSARA is scheduled to officially screen in Indonesian cinemas starting November 20, 2025.

9. QnA Synopsis of the Film SAMSARA

1. What is the film SAMSARA?

The film SAMSARA is a black-and-white silent film by Garin Nugroho that combines romance and the practice of supernatural wealth with a backdrop of Balinese mythology in the 1930s, packaged with a presentation of gamelan and electronic music.

2. Who are the main cast members in the film SAMSARA?

The main cast of the film SAMSARA includes Ario Bayu as Darta, Juliet Widyasari Burnett as Sinta, and I Putu Bagus Bang Sada Graha Saputra (Gus Bang Sada) as the Monkey King.

3. When will the film SAMSARA be screened in Indonesian cinemas?

The film SAMSARA is scheduled to officially screen in the homeland's cinemas starting November 20, 2025, after its premiere in Singapore and Indonesia in 2024.

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10. SAMSARA Accelerates to the International Stage: APSA 2025 Nominations

Not only on the national stage, "SAMSARA" is also starting to achieve recognition at the international level. This film received three nominations at the 18th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA).

"Samsara Film by Garin Nugroho Secures 3 Nominations at APSA 2025," as reported by Times Indonesia. The nominations include Best Film, Best Director for Garin Nugroho, and Best Cinematography for Batara Goempar.

"This film is also included in the list of films considered for the prestigious Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) in 2025," added rri.co.id. This shows the potential of "SAMSARA" to compete on the global stage.

(kpl/nlw)