Agak Laen

The story of this comedy film was done very well and succeeded in combining comedy, horror, sadness, love, conflict and satire. The transitions between story segments flow very neatly, for me the concept and story style of this film is reminiscent of the style of Coen Brothers films.

In several scenes, the audience can be sad and smile and even laugh at the same time. The director and writer, Mukladi Acho, was very successful in packaging and mixing all the scene transitions very well.

Another thing that I think is extraordinary is the cast, almost all of whom have stand-up comedian backgrounds. Their roles and acting are so good and very natural.

This film has succeeded in making a new breakthrough in the style of comedy films in Indonesia, the challenge now is to maintain the continuity of the subsequent films.

I think Indonesian comedy movies are saturated with stand-up talents with one-liner jokes that spread throughout a simple, nice backdrop for the main story. This caused a string of box office hits but no substance that could differentiate one movie from the others. Agak Laen proved that the formula could be fresh if brought by a really amazing story backdrop and sense of realism.

The movie has a perfect sitcom setup. A haunted house attraction becomes viral after a real person died there. It's full of great scenes with cool comedic timings, they know how to turn between drama and funny scenes well. I feel like the four characters are too many since their traits seem to be similar, hence it's blurry to remember who's who. The plot tries to give nuance with more chemistry and personal issues, and it works!

The climax is one of the best I've ever seen. It goes realistic and does not ignore basic logic even though it's comedy. I am still hugely disappointed by how they keep making blunt advertisements throughout the movie, which I think could be better. Still, watching Agak Laen gives me hope that Indonesia comedy movies do have great future.

'Agak Laen' may be a bit all over the place in terms of tone, but it is quite a fun flick all in all. It's well made too, it oddly gave me vibes of 2018's 'The Festival', particularly lighting-wise, for some reason - I didn't think I'd be making a connection between those two!

Oki Rengga, Boris Bokir, Indra Jegel and Bene Dion make for good casting, they fit as a four and do come across as a friends group. Rengga and Bokir are the standouts, for me. Arie Kriting is the one I'd rank highest of the other cast members; all of whom are absolutely fine, at worst.

The plot is a strange choice, I gotta say, for a comedy, I'm not convinced by how they blend it together but it works; even if the more sincere moments didn't quite hit as intended, at least to me. Oki's part at the conclusion is the closest a non-comedy bit came to hitting.

Also, the product placement is kinda mad, proper egregious stuff. This is my first taste of Indonesian cinema, I assume this is the norm? I only guess that because I do know that their football broadcasts are/were ad-heavy; that's how I know what Torabika is, lol.

**Headline

**Rating: 7.5/10**

**Suggestion:** "Agak Laen" stands out for its quirky storytelling and relatable characters. The film captures the essence of everyday life with a comedic twist, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. The humor is often spot-on, allowing viewers to connect with the characters' struggles and triumphs.

However, some plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving certain character arcs lacking depth. The pacing occasionally dips, which might disengage some viewers. Still, the film's charm lies in its ability to portray the ordinary with a whimsical touch, making it a delightful watch overall. It successfully combines humor with heart, offering valuable life lessons without being overly preachy.

Agak Laen is a refreshing take on the comedy genre, offering a unique storyline that blends humor with thought-provoking social commentary. The film stands out for its clever script and an eccentric cast of characters who add depth to the narrative, each bringing their own quirks to the story. This balance between lighthearted comedy and moments of introspection gives the film an enjoyable, layered quality.

The humor in Agak Laen often leans on witty dialogue and situational comedy, making it relatable and enjoyable for a wide audience. The film's ability to highlight everyday experiences with a comedic twist keeps viewers engaged while also encouraging them to think about larger themes. The performances are authentic, with each actor adding a unique charm to their roles, and the direction brings out both the fun and sincerity in each scene.

While it might not aim to be a blockbuster, Agak Laen shines with its fresh approach, creative storytelling, and entertaining mix of humor and social insight. It's a film that will leave audiences smiling and reflecting on its messages.