Ave Maryam

Ave Maryam is a captivating Indonesian movie that ingeniously weaves together love, faith, and yearning. Released in 2018, the film is directed by Ertanto Robby Soediskam and features Sendy Febrina, Maudy Koesnaedi, and Chicco Jerikho in the leading roles.

The film begins with an introduction to Maryam (played by Maudy Koesnaedi), a loyal and devoted nun who has dedicated her life to the Holy Trinity Catholic School where she teaches, comforts, and facilitates hospital visits for the sick and elderly. Maryam's tranquil and orderly existence within her sacred vows begins to shift when two different people, both outsiders to her life's commitment, come into her life: her newly assigned confidante, Sister Patricia (Sendy Febrina), who is aiming to learn from Maryam's way of life, and a young pastor, Father Yosef (Chicco Jerikho).

Father Yosef, who is struggling with his own vocation, is as dedicated and altruistic as Maryam. He has recently been transferred to the same small church where she conducts her duties. His relationships with his congregants is endearing, and his commitment to helping everyone around can't be missed by Maryam, and they inevitably began to develop a deep connection.

The emotional complexity of the movie is such that it delves into the personal and spiritual challenges these characters face against the backdrop of their religious commitments. The movie teases out the dichotomy of love and faith, expressing the trials of spiritual leaders and the yearnings that come as a part of them being human. It explores the commitment of vows over personal desires, painting a poignant and compelling picture of sacrifice, spirituality, and the healing power of love.

Ertanto Robby Soediskam’s carefully orchestrated direction, combined with sensitive performances by the actors, highlights the complexity and authenticity of these characters who find themselves on the precipice of their own passion and the call of their service. Ave Maryam excels at symbolic detail, making profound points about faith and love through subtle visual cues and carefully-timed silences.

Maudy Koesnaedi, playing Sister Maryam, effortlessly expresses her strength and vulnerability in equal measures. Her performance is delicate yet powerful, managing to capture the rawness of Maryam's internal conflict with her growing affection towards Father Yosef. On the other hand, Chicco Jerikho adds depth to Father Yosef's character with his strong acting skills, portraying the likable, caring, and yet deeply troubled priest with commendable grace and precision. Sendy Febrina, portraying Sister Patricia, presents an interesting contrast to Maryam's conflict, her presence sprinkling an extra layer of depth to the narrative.

The cinematography is stunning, with John Badalu capturing the austere beauty of the convent and the church. The film visually excels in showing both the confinement of religious life and the spiritual liberation these characters seek. Rollercoaster shots of the sea, the church, the nuns in their white robes, and the hospital patients they serve, all amalgamate to narrate the story through visuals just as powerfully as words. The color palette used in the film colors the narrative; the stark whites representing purity and piety, while the greys and blacks subtly hint at the internal struggle and ambiguity that the characters experience.

Moreover, the film’s poignant soundtrack by Aghi Narottama enhances the characters' emotions, further drawing viewers in. The score flawlessly transitions from soothing hymns to tension-infused notes, reigning in the viewers' attention right from the word go.

Ave Maryam isn't just another tale of forbidden love. It provides a touching and thought-provoking examination of faith, devotion, and the human need for emotional connectivity. It presents complex personalities and their emotional experiences with a gentleness and respect that ensures the film is neither judgmental nor overly dramatizing.

Overall, Ave Maryam is an emotionally charged film, thoroughly exploring the complexities of human psychology against the backdrop of a strict and committed religious life. The stellar performances from its leads and the aesthetically powerful scenes make it a definitive must-watch for those seeking a deeper understanding of the struggle between personal desires and spiritual duty.