Hiding under a cheesy title, romantic drama Mantan Terindah (The Most Beautiful Ex) is a film about romance during the quarter-life crisis '€“ a theme rarely explored in the Indonesian movie scene.

On face value, Mantan seems to take on the popular theme of galau, a colloquial term referring to the overextending, overly dramatic portrayal of love-torn sorrow, which has become a popular word among the Indonesian youngsters in the social media world in the past few years.

But instead of the formulaic teenage romance flick, Mantan offers a fresh take on love problems as encountered by mid-20s urbanites.

Mantan is based on a pop single of the same name by chanteuse Raisa, written by the celebrated pop songwriter, Yovie Widianto.

The movie is produced by actress Marcella Zalianty and directed by Farishad Latjuba, with the screenplay written by the renowned Titien Wattimena, Ilya Sigma and Priesnanda Dwisatria.

The film'€™s main character, Nada, played by Karina Salim, is an introverted 24-year-old girl who is stuck with a job she does not like but does not have the courage to leave it to chase her dream of becoming a children'€™s story writer.

For most of her life, Nada is haunted by the death of her older brother Otto (Reza Haryadi), who died when she was a young child. As a small child, Nada is said to be an indigo child who possesses special and supernatural traits.

Young Nada often has visions of the future. She was able to foresee her brother'€™s death but she was unable to prevent it. The death devastated Nada and her parents.

Nada'€™s father Adi, played by Ray Sahetapy, is convinced that Nada can do great things for science and humanity with her ability to foresee the future. Adi, who is suffering from a terminal disease, is hoping that Nada could help him prolong his life.

Despite her efforts, Nada'€™s ability resurfaces when she meets Genta, played by Edward Akbar, an aspiring musician who has been chasing his dream to become an inspirational artist. Nada is able to prevent Genta from getting into an accident that would ruin his career.

Immediately, Nada is intrigued by Genta, a feeling that turns out to be mutual. Nada'€™s best friend Marsya (Salvita Decorte) is more than happy to see Nada taking an interest in Genta and encourages her to go out with Genta.

Although initially they have a rocky start, Nada and Genta quickly get close to each other and eventually find themselves in a happy relationship.

Nada, however, turns inward again after a series of visions show her that Genta will leave her for another woman. Not wanting to lose Genta, Nada becomes a possessive and clingy girlfriend.

Nada'€™s weird behavior confuses Genta, who is in the middle of an important decision about whether to accept a deal for an album duet with a foreign singer named Tania that may rocket his career.

Although he does not understand what is happening with Nada, Genta remains by her side and promises to always be there. Genta then proposes to Nada and the couple decides on an immediate wedding.

Before the wedding can take place, unfortunate events unfold and Nada'€™s plans change abruptly.

Although the supernatural element could have prevented the movie from being a serious romantic drama, it was saved by an engaging plot, unpretentious dialogues and superb performances by Karina Salim and Edward Akbar.

Subtle philosophical and rational differences between Karina'€™s and Edward'€™s characters made an interesting dynamic.

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Mantan Terindah
(103 minutes, Keana Productions)
Director: Farishad Latjuba
Scriptwriter:  Titien Wattimena, Ilya Sigma, Priesnanda Dwisatria
Cast: Karina Salim, Edward Akbar, Ray Sahetapy, Tri Yudiman, Salvita Decorte, Angela Nazar, Heidy Yunus, Fauzi Baadila
Producer: Marcella Zalianty

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