Love Like the Falling Rain

Love Like the Falling Rain, directed by Lasja Fauzia Susatyo, is a heartfelt 2020 Indonesian romantic drama film that beautifully explores the emotions and complexities of friendship, love, and heartache. The movie's poignant storyline is wonderfully expressed through its lead star ensemble, which includes Jefri Nichol, Aurora Ribero, and Axel Matthew Thomas.

The film revolves around the life of Kevin (Jefri Nichol), an affable and kind-hearted youngster who is grappling with his unexpressed loving feelings towards his best friend, a bright and vivacious woman named Luna (Aurora Ribero). Despite their long-term close friendship, Kevin hesitates to confess his feelings to Luna, fearing it would potentially risk and change their friendship.

The storyline further unfolds into a profound narrative of emotional turmoil and longing when another man enters Luna's life. Axel Matthew Thomas enters the picture as Renald, a charming and sweet-natured guy who successfully wins Luna's heart, much to Kevin's despair. Kevin is left in a position where he must suppress his feelings and support Luna in her new relationship, all while dealing with his unrequited love.

The narrative is woven with intense drama and soul-stirring emotional moments that brilliantly showcase the realities of young love and the painful dilemma one faces when choosing between friendship and love. The actors successfully bring their characters to life, infusing them with realism and depth. Jefri Nichol delivers a standout performance as Kevin, bringing out his character's conflict and vulnerability with much conviction. Aurora Ribero, with her enchanting screen presence, propels Luna's character effectively, perfectly depicting a woman caught in the midst of unexpected love. Axel Matthew Thomas perfectly articulates the charm and innocence of Renald, making him a likeable character.

What makes Love Like the Falling Rain uniquely reverberating is its authentic portrayal of the protagonists' emotions. It’s easy to empathize with Kevin's hidden love and heartache, Luna's obliviousness to Kevin's feelings and her newfound love, and Renald's simple love for Luna. Indeed, the chemistry between the actors brings out the complexities and intricacies of their relationships, making the audience deeply connect with each character.

The film is further complemented by its captivating cinematography. The beautiful city landscapes and intimate close-ups create a visual allure that heightens the emotional impacts of the movie. The film's music score also plays a vital role in conveying the deep emotions and feelings of the characters, subtly hinting at the unspoken, lingering love that forms the crux of the film. Not often does a movie's score resonate so beautifully with its storyline, and this is one of the film's standout qualities.

The director, Lasja Fauzia Susatyo, deserves credit for spinning the often-told tale of unrequited love with sincerity and freshness. The twists and turns in this love triangle are presented in an understated manner, leaving room for audiences to realize and absorb the impact. Love Like the Falling Rain isn't just about love or heartbreak; it is about coming to terms with one's feelings, dealing with the pain, and finding closure.

The film's dialogues are thoughtfully written and impart a philosophical touch to the film. As the movie progresses, it unveils many emotional layers, exposing the vulnerabilities of its main characters. These moments are raw and relatable, leaving a lasting impression long after the film ends.

To conclude, Love Like the Falling Rain offers a moving exploration of unrequited love, youthful emotions, and the complexities of relationships. Jefri Nichol, Aurora Ribero, and Axel Matthew Thomas give compelling performances that bring out the essence of their characters and the narrative. It is a watch that offers more than a love story; it delves into the raw emotions of longing, heartache, acceptance, which is sure to touch the hearts of its viewers.