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ight years after the release of her widely-discussed film Arisan!, Nia Dinata returns with a sequel, which portrays more homosexuality and the flashy life of socialites, while also including some poignant moments.

A scene depicting an intimate kiss between Tora Sudiro and Surya Saputra in Arisan! (The Gathering) back in 2003 was shocking for many Indonesian audiences. The satirical comedy, which featured a snippet of modern metropolitan life and touched on the taboo subject of homosexuality, was a big hit in Jakarta and in other cities across the country.

The film centers on the lives of the city’s beautiful and rich at a regular social gathering, where members contribute and take turns to win a sum of money. These events are known as good ways for members to promote their businesses, as well as places to trade gossip or even show off wealth. In short, these events are perfect show-and-tell places for their members.

The stories’ main characters are Meimei (played by Cut Mini), a successful career woman; Sakti (Tora Sudiro), Meimei’s best friend and business partner and once a closeted gay; Andien (Aida Nurmala), a control freak housewife; Nino (Surya Saputra), a film producer; and Lita (Rachel Maryam), a liberal woman who doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage.

The film, the cast, and crew bagged a number of awards at recent film festivals, including the 2004 Indonesian Film Festival.

The sequel still revolves around the story of the five best buddies, but much has changed in the lives of the five of them.

“Eight years ago I was in my mid 30s, and now, eight years later, much has happened and my take on life has evolved. A lot of these changes were poured into the writing,” said Nia when commenting on the movie’s screenplay.

Some transitions include Meimei’s divorce, the death of Andien’s husband, Lita’s decision to raise her son as a single mother, and the break up of Sakti and Nino.

Andien has found the suitable outlet for her perfectionist compulsions and her passion for style in her new career as an event organizer, while Lita (Rachel Maryam) has settled down in Jakarta and given birth to a son named Talu, whom her friends help raise.

Sakti is torn between two lovers as he falls for a married, middle-aged yet mysterious guy, Gerry (Pong Harjatmo), while Nino has found a new lover who is in contrast to Sakti’s new guy: a flamboyant, attractive young man named Octa (Rio Dewanto).

A myriad of events, including fashion shows, art exhibitions and photo sessions for glossy magazines, forces them to maintain flawless overall appearances.

This is when Dr. Joy (Sarah Sechan), a renowned plastic surgeon, comes onto the scene to provide instant services for socialites who are battling aging and skin wrinkles.

In the midst of living glamorously, Meimei chooses to head to Lombok, far away from the hustle and bustle of Jakarta to calm her mind.

Taking Talu with her, she meets Tom (Edward Gunawan), a young “healer”, and Moli (Adinia Wirasti), a bartender. Her encounter with these individuals changes her perspective on life.

Meimei’s decision to take a prolonged retreat arouses the suspicion of her four friends, who finally realize that Meimei is struggling with a serious disease that might take her life.

Like its first film, the sequel highlights the everyday lives of cosmopolitan women. We see how their social gatherings can act as ways for the women show off their latest designer dresses, shoes, bags and jewelry.

The film’s dialogue brings fun and laughs as we see real people deal with real problems. This sequel is a blend of drama, comedy and wisdom. We see the clash between the trendy, witty gatherings with the tormented private lives of the protagonists.

 The script also pokes fun at social media, which seemingly plays an increasingly bigger role in the everyday lives of Jakartans.

It is amusing to see how Octa tries to be accepted into Nino’s circle of friends, or to take a look at how Andien tries to make her grown-up twin daughters fit in with her fashionable society.

In the meantime, Meimei’s health condition is a wake up call for everybody. No matter how chic and sophisticated we are, the film helps us to realize that we are only human.

Nia knows how to convey this issue on screen, although some scenes, especially those involving the gatherings of rich women, are exaggerated.

The cast is as impressive as ever with new faces like Atiqah Hasiholan, a young socialite who becomes the other socialites’ object of envy, Rio Dewanto, who rose to fame since he was voted the Most Eligible Bachelor 2010 in a lifestyle magazine, and Edward Gunawan.

Also, watch out for a number of cameos from noted actors like Jajang C. Noer, who plays a shrink, and singers Shanty and Titi DJ.

Verdict: Arisan! 2 still provides enjoyable moments, as we see how the film’s characters deal with their problems.