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A new hope: The top 10 Indonesian films of 2021
Dubbed by some auteurs, critics and moviegoers as the "Indonesian New Wave", this year’s batch of Indonesian films is having a moment, with recognition from international audiences and a promise of more to come.
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Iteung: A shot of Ladya Cheryl in 'Vengeance Is Mine, All Others Pay Cash.' (Courtesy of Palari Films) (Studio archive/Courtesy of Palari Films)
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em>Dubbed by some auteurs, critics and moviegoers as the "Indonesian New Wave", this year’s batch of Indonesian films is having a moment, with recognition from international audiences and a promise of more to come.
The pandemic brought the Indonesian film industry to its knees. Productions halted, theaters closed, great ideas were at stake. Thankfully, creative people in the industry persisted (everyone was united in an open letter to seek the government’s financial aid) and made sure there was never a lull in Indonesia’s admirable releases. Some films show off remarkable writing, some flaunt their experimental cinematography, some received critical acclaim from festivals around the world and some proved that feature-length narrative was not the only format to further the country’s film-making craft.
Listed below, in no particular order, are 2021’s Indonesian films worthy of praise and time. We are not including films that have not been publicly accessible in theaters, streaming platforms or online international festivals. Thus, films like the often-rhapsodized-about Piala Citra winner Penyalin Cahaya (Photocopier) or the highly anticipated Cinta Pertama, Kedua & Ketiga (First, Second & Third Love) will have to wait for next year’s list when they are finally available nationwide.
Ali & Ratu Ratu Queens
Beloved by many, this comedy-drama has all the right reasons to be a good Netflix flick. Not only is Ali beautifully shot and heart-wrenchingly written, but it also offers an entertaining take on the “what makes a true family” premise. It deals with the American dream, a parent’s struggle, a long-lost mother’s love and the New York immigrant experience. Gina S. Noer and Lucky Kuswandi capture the dissonance and comfort Ali eventually finds in the queens of Queens.
Aum!
