Me before Me is an emotionally resonant plot that explores the invisible burden that many children and teenagers carry with them. At the heart of the plot is Jati, a talented student who has won one of the most prestigious academic competitions at his school. Those who see him see a highly successful child with a bright future. His teachers love him, his classmates want to be like him, and his family is proud of him. However, what they don’t see is that beneath all the accolades lies a young man who is struggling with emotional distress.
The success that Jati has achieved no longer fuels him to do better in life. He no longer feels happy because at each and every step, he aims to prove himself again and again. Then we have the relationship he shares with his father. And this is where the makers and the writers do a great job. Instead of portraying his father as an overbearing parent driven by ambition, the narrative shows that he believes success is the greatest protection he can offer his son. His expectations come from a place of love and the fact that an excellent person will secure a better future. So now we have two angles in the plot: one from Jati and one from his father. And while you watch Me Before Me, not once will you feel that either of the points of view shown to us is wrong. In their own stands in life, Jati is right, and so is his father. That is what makes Me Before Me such a great watch for all of us.
Director Gina S. Noer has done a great job in presenting a balanced plot. She also questions the modern education system and the constant pressure on children to do well. As a result, we get a plot that is highly relatable to many. Many students firmly believe that their self-worth is tied to grades and extracurricular activities. That pressure is harmful to the mental health of the child. At the same time, we get to see the reason why parents want their child to excel. And all of it makes sense because of how the plot has been executed. The target audience of Me Before Me is mainly teenagers and parents, and I am sure that once they have finished watching it, there will be plenty of learning for both.
I loved how the pacing was so deliberate in Me Before Me. Never does the film rush to show us anything. And such a pace is highly required when dealing with something sensitive. What supports the movie even more is the acting done by the entire cast. Bimasena as Jati steals the show with his skills. His portrayal of a distressed student under pressure will definitely resonate with many. Ringgo Agus Rahman as Pak Jaya also shines in his role as a father who wants the best for his child. The rest of the cast also adds the fire required to make the plot a big success. So all in all, Me Before Me is a must-watch for this generation and for the generation that has become parents to better understand each other.
Final Score - [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Ch
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times