Is Like Mother Like Son Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, Like Mother Like Son represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Drama, Family, Fantasy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Indonesia, 2019. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, Family, Fantasy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Indonesia, 2019. BAGAS (8) a nosy and intelligent single orphan lives with his mother, MARNI (32) - a hard-working and sensitive young widow. One night Bagas asked Marni about her birthplace. Too tired because of the house chores that she did all day alone, and a sense of confusion to respond, Marni had to lie by saying that the birthplace of Bagas was from the armpits. Instead of obeying his mother's command to sleep, Bagas instead tried to find the place of birth that his mother intended. Because of Bagas's excessive behavior, Marni woke up and got annoyed that she did something unwise for her son. However, Bagas only hoped for a brother, which for Marni it is impossible to be realized."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Anchoring the narrative with a presence that is both commanding and subtle, Maryam Supraba delivers a turn that is both technically flawless and emotionally resonant. This is Drama acting at its most potent.

The direction by Rizal Hanun is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 15 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Like Mother Like Son truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, Family, Fantasy, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 10/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Like Mother Like Son explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Rizal Hanun respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Like Mother Like Son is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Maryam Supraba or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Like Mother Like Son is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.