A Long Way to Come Home Review:

A Long Way to Come Home Review: A Film That Truly Understands You

A Long Way to Come Home (Jalan yang Jauh Jangan Lupa Pulang) is an Indonesian drama film directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, with a screenplay by Angga Dwimas Sasongko and Mohammad Irfan Ramly. Based on the novel by Marchella F.P., the film stars Sheila Dara Aisha, Jerome Kurnia, Lutesha, Rio Dewanto, Ganindra Bimo, and Rachel Amanda in lead roles, with a runtime of 109 minutes.

A Long Way to Come Home follows the story of Aurora, whose life takes a drastic turn after a traumatic incident. As her family starts interfering with her choices, pushing her to the breaking point, things become even more complex. Can time heal this wound? Will she reconcile with her siblings and regain control of her life?

Some movies, despite being in a foreign language, have a way of feeling incredibly familiar, as if they understand your struggles. A Long Way to Come Home is one such film—a slow-paced drama about life that resonates on multiple levels. Whether you've experienced a complex relationship, struggled to be accepted, or felt out of place and yearned for resolution, this film taps into those emotions, making you feel heard.

The movie takes time to convey its message, creating an emotional rollercoaster. It explores the impact of chosen and biological families on shaping one's identity. The way the film is structured allows these emotions to emerge more effectively. The chapters and songs seamlessly blend with the content, providing perspective and fostering emotional connections with the characters.

Along Way to Come Home breaks the story into small, interconnected moments that gradually come together. The pieces align by investing time and patience, mirroring how Aurora's life falls into place. It's a profoundly hopeful film that makes sense when embraced fully, offering peace when the right time arrives.

Aurora's struggle with her Home and fleeting moments of tranquility when she escapes everyone in Jakarta will resonate strongly with young individuals living away from Home. The challenges the middle child faces, burdened with the responsibility of studying abroad while their parents struggle, feel all too familiar. Aurora's impassioned plea to her siblings, who fail to understand her perspective, may provide catharsis for those dealing with this situation daily.

On the other hand, Aurora's struggles at Home are masked by her two friends, who represent the family we choose—a refuge that allows us to thrive without unnecessary baggage. The contrast between these two facets of Aurora's life reveals her true character. It showcases her growth from a broken individual to someone capable of radiating brightness, much like the sun.

Along Way to Come Home weaves together various elements that make it a worthwhile viewing experience for those seeking understanding. As a sequel to the 2020 film Nanti Kita Cerita tentang Hari Ini, it focuses on a different sibling, highlighting their unique qualities. It underscores the importance of giving individuals the space to be heard, seen, and understood rather than imposing our views on them.

LasItaly, the film delves into all-consuming romantic relationships that engulf and break you to a point where you fail to realize the wrong inflicted upon you. Aurora's sacrifice of her dreams to support Jem highlights this theme. Unaware of how she loses herself in the process of aiding her manipulative, abusive, and toxic boyfriend, the implications of their relationship hit close to Home. Though physical violence is not depicted (thankfully), the relatability of their dynamic and its chilling consequences leave a lasting impact.

Sheila Dara Aisha shines in the lead role, delivering a captivating performance. Sheila Dara Aisha's on-screen connection with the rest of the cast, especially with Jerome Kurnia and Lutesha portraying Kit and Honey, is remarkable, creating a genuine chemistry that enhances their characters' relationships, respectively and is exceptional, making their friendship feel genuine. Ganindra Bimo portrays Jem convincingly, evoking hatred and fear throughout the film. Rio Dewanto and Rachel Amanda, as Angkasa and Awan, respectively, may have limited screen time, but their contributions are noteworthy.

In conclusion, A Long Way to Come Home is a movie that genuinely understands its audience. It contains moments that can move you to tears. This film is worth watching if you're in the mood for a slow-paced, relatable experience.