Humba Dreams, a 2019 Indonesian drama film directed by Riri Riza, is a story about Martin, a film student who returned to his hometown, Sumba, to fulfill his father’s last wish. The film brilliantly showcases the island’s beautiful scenery, cultural richness, and traditions.
Synopsis
Martin’s father, who passed away years ago, had an urgent message for him to return home and search for his inheritance. A local spiritualist named Nggodu claimed that his father returned through him, asking to reveal a hidden film roll. When Martin found the film, he encountered difficulty playing it because it was an ancient technology that required chemical resources to print and screen. With limited resources, Martin struggled to fulfill his father’s last wishes. Meanwhile, he developed feelings for Ana, a married woman he met while searching for an internet signal he needed to print the film. Ana’s husband had left for Malaysia and never returned, and she has been searching for him using various methods. As Martin and Ana got closer, he helped her find closure with the loss of her husband.
Review
Humba Dreams is an engaging and touching portrayal of love, loss, and grief that takes place against the backdrop of stunning scenery in Sumba Island. The movie perfectly balances Martin’s personal struggle to fulfill his father’s last wishes, his academic deadlines, and his feelings for Ana. The tension between Martin and the inner conflict within himself is the driving force of the story.
The film’s characters are well crafted, with Martin and Ana featuring as the center of the story. These characters draw in the viewer with their development and transformation throughout the movie. Martin begins as a conflicted person who has to choose between fulfilling his late father’s wishes and pursuing his academic career. On the other hand, Ana slowly opens up to Martin as he helps her locate her husband.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Humba Dreams is an emotional and visually stunning movie that explores themes of love, grief, and loss while portraying the beauty of Sumba Island. It’s a brilliant work of art that captures the hearts of the viewers, leaving them wanting more. Whether you’re a fan of cultural movies or not, Humba Dreams is a must-watch film that ticks all the right boxes.
