Falling in love is easy. You meet someone, you like them, and bang! You fall in love with them. This is what happened with our protagonists. Meet Demetria Florencia aka Demi, a management student, and Pradana Bara, a finance student who dreams of becoming a writer. These two meet at an art gallery- a very typical romantic place to meet, isn’t it? But that is just a rendezvous. While smoking, they start talking over random things and bond over a cat who is lazing around. Well, that’s the thing about love- there’s no definite date, place, or time. It just happens.
First meet is enough for sparks to fly, but not enough for you to realize if you are in love. And with destiny playing its mysterious role, these two meet again, this time at a bookstore. Demi was looking for a management book for her thesis. They talk and get to know each other. They grow fond of each other, sharing bits from their lives and even sharing an apartment now. But there’s no to this relationship. And that is what an issue becomes."Guide to Prepare for Separation” is a narrative spun over years, and the relationship remains shrouded in ambiguity, with Demi (Lutesha) casting a mysterious shadow as she drifts in and out of Bara's (Daffa Wardhana) life, her presence leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and unspoken truths.
Despite the lack of definition and clarity, Bara finds himself drawn in the intricate dance of emotions, unable to sever the ties that bind him to Demi. Deeply concealed within his heart lies a secret love for her, a love that silently tethers him to the enigmatic allure of their connection, as their story becomes a captivating exploration of longing, uncertainty, and the complexities of the human heart. Will they ever find their way out of these complexities? Will their love find its true meaning?
While watching the movie, you do find some pieces to be missing, just like Bara is trying to find meaning in the relationship. The story is a reflection of the love that people in today’s generation undergo. The narrative encapsulates the struggles and tribulations of love amidst the search for personal fulfillment and purpose. Within the intricate tapestry of the characters' lives, love becomes entangled with the pursuit of self-discovery, leading to the gradual erosion of their once-unbreakable bond. "Guide to Prepare for Separation" offers more than mere entertainment; it serves as a poignant exploration of the human condition, delving into the depths of emotional turmoil and existential uncertainty.
While not an emotionally taxing experience, the film delves into profound themes, ensuring that it is not merely a light-hearted affair. With its thought-provoking narrative and nuanced character portrayals, it invites viewers to ponder the complexities of modern relationships and the intricate interplay between love and personal growth. The cast does a fantastic job of portraying their character as two confused lovers with a beautiful cinematic delight in the background. Guide to Prepare for Separation is worth a watch. It’s not an intense watch but definitely not a light-hearted movie.
Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times