#FriendButMarried

#FriendButMarried is an Indonesian romantic drama film that successfully captured the hearts of audiences when it was released in 2018. The film stars popular Indonesian actors Adipati Dolken, Vanesha Prescilla, and Refal Hady. Directed by Rako Prijanto, #FriendButMarried is an adaptation of the bestselling novel of the same title, written by Ayana Moon. The novel was based on the author's personal experience, turning her real-life enchanting love story into a work of art.

The film’s leading man, Adipati Dolken, brings to life the charming character of Ditto. He perfectly balances the character’s fun-loving nature with its romantic depth, endearing audiences to Ditto’s sincere and passionate nature. Vanesha Prescilla, who plays Ayu, the film's female protagonist, does a captivating job of portraying a confident yet vulnerable woman navigating the complex maze of love and friendship. The chemistry between Adipati Dolken and Vanesha Prescilla is palpable, significantly contributing to the film's appeal.

Our protagonist, Ditto, falls in love with Ayu in their high school years. Nothing seems extraordinary about this, but there's a twist: Ayu is already in a relationship with someone else. The dynamic and chemistry between Adipati Dolken and Vanesha Prescilla perfectly captures the angst and joy of youthful love and friendship as Ditto unconditionally loves, respects, and supports Ayu, despite his feelings.

The film expertly captures the intricacy and complications that can arise from being in love with a close friend. It handles the complexity of unrequited teenage love with deftness and serenity, portraying its nuances and subtleties with a depth that resonates with viewers. Despite his feelings, Ditto never crosses any boundaries and his friendship with Ayu remains strong throughout, giving the viewers a wonderful insight into platonic love and respect.

As the characters transition into adulthood, the story takes a deeper turn. Friendship still remains the dominant theme, but the romantic undertones become more apparent, leading to a selectively complicated relationship. Although they part ways due to life's circumstances, their paths cross again, resulting in revived feelings and nostalgia. The film encapsulates the intensity and delicate nature of such emotions and situations with great finesse.

Setting aside the romantic aspect, the film also gives us a look into the growth and maturation of its characters. We witness their evolution from their high school years to adulthood—how they navigate through life's challenges, overcome obstacles, and still manage to maintain their friendship despite everything. Refal Hady portrays Ayu's boyfriend, and his portrayal adds a certain depth to the narrative, complicating the love triangle and enriching the storyline with his captivating performance.

#FriendButMarried isn’t your usual cliched love story. Instead, it provides a fresh perspective on the hazy line that exists between friendship and romance. It explores the depths of a non-conventional relationship with sensitivity, whilst encapsulating the trials, tribulations and dramas of everyday life. The film boasts a poignant score that heightens the emotional intensity of key scenes, and a clever use of flashback narrative to help viewers understand the emotional ramifications of unrequited love.

The cinematography of the movie is another strong point. The backdrops and locations used throughout the film reflect its emotionality, adding beauty to every scene. The most metaphorically impressive aspect of the film's visuals is perhaps the nuanced color scheme that mirrors the evolving tones and moods of the narrative and its characters.

In conclusion, #FriendButMarried is a heartwarming tale of eternal friendship and unrequited love, a depiction of life in its raw and real form. It manages to tug at the heartstrings without being melodramatic, and entertains without losing sight of its deep emotional undercurrents. The film beautifully weaves love and friendship together, hinting at the essence of relationships, a testament to the fact that sometimes, love can be found in the least expected places.