This review is translated and adapted from Batok.co, our Indonesian language sister site focusing on the local music scene and entertainment news. Read the original article here.
By Feby Ferdian
Never did I expect to speak of Gading Marten with such praise. The actor, previously best known for forgettable side characters and as a presenter for largely unfunny variety comedy shows such as ‘Inbox’, blew my mind with his portrayal of Richard in the Andibacthiar Yusuf-helmed Indonesian rom-com ‘Love for Sale’.
Everything Marten did in the movie came off as so sincere and natural, and many Indonesian actors can learn a thing or two from him in terms of how to portray characters on screen with conviction and subtlety without having to overact. Heck, even Marten’s ball scratch, as can be seen in this trailer for ‘Love for Sale’, looked so genuine and was done with impeccable comedic timing.
Loosely inspired by the dating app age we live in, ‘Love for Sale’ tells the story of Richard, a man nearing middle age but has been single for decades. He discovers an app called Love inc., which is essentially a glorified escort service, through which he orders and pays for the exclusive company of a woman, Arini (Della Dartyan), who proved to be nothing less than the woman of his dreams.
The premise may not be groundbreaking, but the film refreshingly does not shy away from tackling adult subject matters, as many so many other Indonesian films do in order to avoid the country’s conservative film censors. These adult themes are not explored merely for the sake of raunchiness or edginess either — the film handles subject matter that would be considered taboo in general Indonesian society, such as cohabitation and premarital sex, in a way that respects its audience as free-thinking, progressive adults.
Both Richard and Arini are given ample room to grow and become sympathetic characters. Particular praise goes to Marten for the incredible range of emotions he displays throughout the film, which had me completely invested in Richard in a way few Indonesian actors have been able to do for me in recent years.
Andibachtiar Yusuf did an excellent job directing this gem, even if the film can feel ponderous at times. In my opinion, ‘Love for Sale’ is easily the best Indonesian film this year so far (no, ‘Dilan 1990’ doesn’t even come close). Along with other recent high-quality local films like ‘Pengabdi Setan’ and ‘Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts’, let’s hope ‘Love for Sale’ represent a growing appreciation for serious storytelling in Indonesian movies that will replace all the silly softcore porn/horror flicks, unfunny slapstick comedies and romantic films with far too many product placements from sponsors.
‘Love for Sale’ is currently playing in cinemas nationwide.
Reader Interactions