In a cinematic landscape where many local films still follow familiar structures-whether it's rom-com formulas, horror tropes, or predictable drama arcs-GJLS: Ibuku Ibu-Ibu comes in like a wrecking ball made of pure chaos and comedy. This film is, in the simplest terms, wild. But that's exactly what makes it so entertaining, refreshing, and worthy of attention.
Created by the absurdist comedy trio GJLS (short for "Gilang, Julian, and Sema"), this movie is not just a sketch stitched into feature length-it's a full-blown commitment to a world where logic, structure, and "rules" don't apply the way you'd expect. Instead of playing it safe, the filmmakers dive headfirst into bizarre humor, meta-commentary, and deliberately broken storytelling. The result? A laugh-out-loud, head-scratching, genre-bending experience you won't forget anytime soon.
A Plot That's... Kind of a Plot
Trying to explain the plot of Ibuku Ibu-Ibu is almost missing the point. There is a story-something involving a son searching for his mother and ending up entangled with a group of chaotic "ibu-ibu" (mothers) in increasingly ridiculous situations-but the narrative is intentionally loose. The film constantly makes fun of itself, pokes holes in its own storytelling, and plays with audience expectations.
And honestly? That's part of the charm.
This film doesn't try to be coherent in the traditional sense. Instead, it invites the audience into its own ridiculous universe where anything can happen-from sudden musical numbers to out-of-nowhere plot twists that are clearly improvised or purposefully nonsensical. It's not about what happens, but how funny and unexpected it is when it does.
Comedy That Breaks Every Rule
At its core, Ibuku Ibu-Ibu is a comedy film that leans into absurdism and satire. It draws heavily from GJLS's roots in internet humor-YouTube sketches, podcast banter, and that raw, unpolished style that feels both chaotic and intimate. If you're familiar with the trio's work, this feels like the natural evolution: longer, louder, and even more unfiltered.
What sets this film apart is its willingness to break the fourth wall, mock its own budget limitations, and even criticize Indonesian filmmaking clichés within the film itself. It's almost as if GJLS is saying, "We know how movies are supposed to be made. But what if we just... didn't?"
And it works. Not every joke lands, and some moments might feel too drawn out or messy, but the sheer commitment to the bit, the raw energy, and the unrelenting pace of the comedy keep the film alive and hilarious.
A New Experience in Indonesian Cinema
Ibuku Ibu-Ibu feels revolutionary in its recklessness. It doesn't care about awards or critics or pleasing everyone-it cares about being fun. It breaks kaidah (rules) of filmmaking not for the sake of rebellion, but to open space for something new: freedom in storytelling.
We don't often see Indonesian films that are brave enough to go full absurd, full meta, full anti-structure. That's what makes this film so exciting. It feels like a breath of fresh air-especially for audiences who are tired of formulaic content and looking for something bold, unpredictable, and genuinely funny.
It's also a sign that internet-native creators like GJLS have the power to shake up the traditional film industry. They know what makes their audience laugh, and they're not afraid to take risks that more "mainstream" productions wouldn't dare.
Final Thoughts
GJLS: Ibuku Ibu-Ibu is not a film for everyone-and that's okay. If you're someone who likes clean, logical narratives and polished, traditional filmmaking, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're open to a comedy experience that's chaotic, self-aware, and unafraid to be completely ridiculous, this film delivers.
It's not just funny-it's an experience. And in an era of safe, formulaic content, that makes it something special.
