Heartbreak Motel

Angga Dwimas Sasongko's 2024 Indonesian film follows a rising actress. Ava is staying at a quiet motel as both the acceleration of her career and an event from her past come at her at once. The film does not present fame as a gain. Ava is watched constantly and every word of hers is interpreted; rather than turn this into criticism of the industry, the narrative gives it through one person's limit of endurance. It is adapted from a novel. Laura Basuki leads with Reza Rahadian opposite her. The narrative proceeds through jumps back in time and the setting is almost entirely the motel. Who it's for: those who like Indonesian drama and narratives about the acting profession. Who it's not for: viewers expecting a clear plot; the film moves in fragments and leaves most things at the level of implication.