Is Solo, Solitude Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2017)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Solo, Solitude, a standout production of 2017, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama, History landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The Suharto regime has been holding power in Indonesia for over 30 years, shutting down democracy time and time again. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama, History 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: "The Suharto regime has been holding power in Indonesia for over 30 years, shutting down democracy time and time again. Highly critical of the regime and unafraid to speak his mind, Wiji Thukul is a poet whose words are often yelled proudly by the crowd during political protests. When riots break out in Jakarta in 1996, he and a few other activists are accused to be responsible. Forced to flee, Wiji escapes to Pontianak in Borneo where he hides for eight months, sometimes living with complete strangers. There, he has to change his identity several times, but continues to write poetry and short stories under a pen name. In the meantime, in Solo, central Java, his wife, Sipon, lives with their two children under constant surveillance. In May 1998, Wiji Thukul is declared missing, a month before Suharto is deposed by his own people."

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. The performance by Gunawan Maryanto is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Gunawan Maryanto captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Yosep Anggi Noen 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 97 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 Solo, Solitude 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, History, 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 9/10 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, Solo, Solitude explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2017 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Yosep Anggi Noen 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, Solo, Solitude 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 Gunawan Maryanto or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Solo, Solitude is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.