27 Steps of May

27 Steps of May is a 2018 Indonesian drama film which offers an intimate, poignant, and deeply affecting exploration of trauma, resilience, and healing. The narrative centers on the quiet suffering of May, a traumatized young woman and her father, who simultaneously grapples with guilt and a profound sense of loss. This cinematic masterpiece was directed by Ravi Bharwani and features compelling performances by Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja, Lukman Sardi, and Ario Bayu.

The drama unfolds against the backdrop of a quiet seaside town, the plot steeped in melancholy and complexity. Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja delivers a phenomenal performance as May, a woman of few words who lives an exceptionally solitary existence in her home, never venturing outdoors. This happens to be her way of dealing with an incredibly traumatic incident from her past which has left her unable to interact with the outside world. She spends her days entrapped in her safe haven, expressing her pain and emotional turmoil through captivating artwork she creates.

Lukman Sardi plays May’s father, a former prizefighter named Lukman who battles his guilt and sorrow silently while struggling to support his deeply traumatized daughter. The narrative beautifully captures the unnamed, unsaid relationship between the father and daughter, both victims of their inescapable pasts. Their complex emotions and experiences unfold subtly yet powerfully, creating a deeply engaging human drama that is as heartbreaking as it is poignant.

On the other hand, we are introduced to Ario Bayu’s character, a newly assigned local police officer who gets entangled in their life. His character brings a significant variation to the primarily stifling atmosphere, providing a different viewpoint on the intricacies of guilt, atonement, and justice. It also provides an additional layer to the plot and amplifies the overall emotional intensity of the narrative.

"27 Steps of May" is a testament to the power of silence in storytelling; it relies more on strong visuals and the unspoken, highlighting a sense of majority of communication being non-verbal. Silent gazes, the therapeutic brush strokes on canvas and the rhythm of nature take precedence over scripted dialogues, conveying the deep emotional turmoil and trauma experienced by the protagonists. The cinematography is thoughtfully done, capturing the stark contrast between the serene outdoor world and the suffocating indoor space that encapsulates May’s psychological state.

Moreover, the film’s narrative expertly deals with themes revolving around trauma and recovery, guilt and redemption, silence and expression. It delivers a profound statement about the patriarchal society and the violence women often have to endure. Yet, it shies away from stereotypical depictions of victimhood, instead choosing to focus on individual’s capacity for resilience, the power of art as a form of therapy, and the possibility of healing and forgiveness in the face of insurmountable pain.

Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja’s layered portrayal of May is incredibly poignant, bringing forth the complexities of her character with subtlety and intensity. Similarly, Lukman Sardi’s portrayal of a guilt-ridden father is both soulful and heartbreaking. Ario Bayu brings a subtlety of his own to his character, making for a compelling watch.

"27 Steps of May" may be difficult to watch due to its somber themes and slow-burning narrative. However, its unflinching portrayal of trauma, combined with the compelling performances and the poetic cinematography, makes it a film of unforgettable emotional power. It is an exploration of suffering, resilience and redemption that touches upon the universal human experience of pain and healing.