Budi Pekerti

There are plenty of films about social media but this is just pitch perfect. At the heart is a dysfunctional family. Where the mom is a counselor at a school her offspring social media influencers. This is thrown out of balance when she's caught swearing in public and then both her two kids and then school board are trying to manage the fallout on social media. What then follows is an emotional but also hugely entertaining roller-coaster of mishaps, short moments of relief which are then followed by other unpredictable reactions from social media. This is all hugely engaging because of perfect character development, a very dense script, amazing visuals and fantastic acting. Even that it's all of course constructed it feels natural and one roots with every single family member.

Watching Budi Pekerti felt incredibly personal. I know exactly how difficult it already is to be a teacher in Indonesia - underpaid, overworked, and expected to be perfect at all times. That's why Bu Prani's story cut so deep. She was never trying to be a hero. She was just tired. Human.

When that one moment at the market was caught on video, I knew what was coming. The internet doesn't wait. People don't ask questions. And just like that, everything she built - her job, her identity, her dignity - was put on trial by strangers.

Ine Febriyanti's performance was devastating in the best way. So subtle, but so powerful. I could feel her crumbling quietly, the way many real people do - without drama, without screaming, just... trying to survive.

And the ending? Honestly, I loved it. It doesn't force a "happy" resolution, and that's exactly why it works. Sometimes, life doesn't wrap up neatly. Sometimes, we just carry on, even if we're broken. And that final scene says more in silence than any dialogue could.

Budi Pekerti is the kind of film that lingers. It's not just a social commentary. It's a reflection of how cruel we've become, and how little space we give people to just be human. I cried when it ended - not because it was tragic, but because it was honest.

This film matters.

This movie will leave you speechless! Loved the detail and the way the story was told. All the actors did a great job at their character roles and the story was kept to the point. I am really hoping people can see this gem around the world because it makes you realize the power that social media holds. This movies holds the truth on how social media can impact someone in both positive and negative ways. The pressure of social media can really change your life. This film does a really great job showing how it can in many different aspects. It is a movie for the whole family and I especially loved watching this at TIFF!

What's interesting about Budi Pekerti is that it takes the most relevant elements in social media life today: virality, cancel culture, and popularity. In his latest feature film after Photocopier (2021), Wregas Bhanuteja presents characters full of ethical and personality complexity which have to face the nightmare of their actions because of social media which causes the boundaries of morality to become blurred. Wregas is an expert in exploring human emotions and how a person's choices will have consequences, especially those that happen to Mrs. Prani (played extraordinary by Sha Ine Febriyanti) so this film feels very close to us. What Wregas did was so precise and effective that Budi Pekerti deserves to be one of the best Indonesian films in 2023.

Budi Pekerti is a compelling Indonesian film that dives deeply into the complexities of social values, morality, and human behavior. The story follows a family caught in a web of misunderstandings and moral conflicts after a public incident. This film does a remarkable job of exploring how society often rushes to judgment, showing the impact of public opinion and social media on individual lives.

The film excels in its portrayal of realistic, flawed characters who are forced to navigate difficult moral choices. It pushes viewers to confront their own biases, making them reflect on what it means to act with integrity in a world that frequently prioritizes appearances over honesty. The performances are strong and nuanced, especially from the lead actors who bring a raw vulnerability to their roles, making the audience empathize with their struggles.

Director Wregas Bhanuteja successfully uses this narrative to question society's inclination to judge and the implications of cancel culture. The film's atmosphere is heightened by its careful cinematography and well-chosen soundtrack, which create a sense of tension and realism.

Overall, Budi Pekerti is a thought-provoking film that resonates deeply with the current social landscape, serving as a reminder to look beyond superficial judgments. It's an impactful watch for those interested in films that challenge societal norms and promote introspection.