### **"Close Your Kopitiam" Review: A Coffee Shop Owner Faces Cyberbullying from Influencers**
*"Close Your Kopitiam"* is a Malaysian comedy film filled with local internet jokes and well-known influencers that only Malaysians would fully appreciate. The movie brings together a host of popular Malaysian internet personalities, effectively capturing the essence of local internet culture. It tells the story of a kopitiam (traditional coffee shop) inherited from the protagonist Ah Biao's mother, highlighting the growth of its employees and vendors. However, the narrative takes a turn when they encounter online influencers, leading to a series of cyberbullying incidents. Ah Biao, the protagonist, initially manages his employees with strict discipline. Under immense financial pressure to sustain the business, he even contemplates raising rental fees.
### **Plot Overview & Narrative Style**
The story revolves around Ah Biao's struggles after falling victim to cyberbullying, which causes his kopitiam to hit a financial low. To survive, he decides to join an influencer branding masterclass. As the plot unfolds, both he and his employees face dwindling sales and the impending closure of the kopitiam. The director cleverly integrates numerous internet-famous influencers and viral jokes that resonate with Malaysian audiences, fostering a strong sense of familiarity. Ah Biao gradually pieces together the key moments that lead to his turning point, ultimately making a major decision but later regretting his choice to compromise. This narrative approach keeps audiences engaged, as they experience a series of emotional ups and downs alongside the protagonist.
### **Visuals & Music: A Perfect Blend**
*"Close Your Kopitiam"* leverages the familiar shooting techniques of YouTubers while incorporating the professional cinematography required for a feature film. Some scenes are shot in a single take, allowing viewers to appreciate the continuous and immersive visual experience. The lighting is well-executed-not too dark or overly bright-creating the right atmosphere for each scene. The precise use of lighting enhances different moods and emotions, ensuring the characters' facial expressions and eye contact remain clearly visible.
In terms of music, the background score effectively enhances key moments, such as action sequences and scenes where tourists dine at the kopitiam, elevating the film's atmosphere. However, in some non-climactic scenes, the absence of background music makes certain moments feel slightly flat, impacting the emotional build-up.
### **Character Development & Performances**
The internet influencers, despite being newcomers to acting, show noticeable improvement compared to their usual short-form online content. The employees, stall vendors, and influencers all sport modern and relatable character designs. The influencers manage to portray a range of emotions, including despair, anger, sadness, and resignation. Several experienced actors play supporting roles, guiding the internet personalities into their roles effectively.
**Ratings:**
⭐ **Storyline:** 8.5/10 (A simple but meaningful story with relevant social themes)
⭐ **Acting:** 7.5/10 (Internet influencers exceeded expectations but still have room for improvement)
⭐ **Visuals & Cinematography:** 8.5/10 (Professional filming techniques with well-executed lighting and framing)
⭐ **Music:** 8/10 (Some scenes lack background music, affecting emotional depth)
### **Final Verdict**
*"Close Your Kopitiam"* presents modern influencer culture and cyberbullying in a lighthearted yet thought-provoking manner, making audiences laugh while reflecting on digital-age societal issues. Although there are areas for improvement, such as the consistency of performances and better utilization of music, the film successfully brings a refreshing and locally relevant story to the Malaysian film industry. It is a must-watch for fans of local humor, social satire, and internet culture.
