‘Babah’ Netflix Movie Review - A Heartfelt Exploration of Family Bonds

"Babah," directed by Mohd Shah Faizul, is an intimate and moving drama that explores the depth of a father-daughter relationship. At its heart, the film is about Isyak, a single father, and his daughter Maya, who find themselves grappling with a series of hardships that threaten to pull them apart but ultimately bring them closer. It’s a quiet yet powerful story, rooted in everyday struggles, elevated by genuine performances and strong emotional beats.

The movie does not rush to introduce high-stakes drama right away. Instead, it takes time to immerse the audience in the small, seemingly mundane moments of Isyak and Maya’s life. Isyak, played by Qi Razali, is a hardworking man who suddenly finds himself unemployed. The weight of providing for his daughter while dealing with his own fears and frustrations makes him a deeply relatable character. Maya, played by Farhanna Qismina Sweet, is at a crossroads herself, dealing with the pressures of school and her father’s growing concerns. The balance between them—sometimes tender, sometimes strained—is what gives the film its emotional center.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is its commitment to authenticity. There is no exaggerated melodrama, no over-the-top conflicts. The struggles Isyak faces—finding a job, managing his health, worrying about Maya’s future—are deeply real, making his journey all the more impactful. The father-daughter interactions feel natural, often infused with quiet moments of love, tension, and unspoken understanding. The film captures the essence of how relationships evolve through hardships, sometimes marked by frustration but ultimately bound by an unshakable connection.

Qi Razali delivers a restrained yet deeply expressive performance. His portrayal of Isyak is not one of grand gestures but of subtle, everyday resilience. His emotions are conveyed not just through words but through his posture, the way he lingers in a room, and the silent looks of worry or exhaustion. Farhanna Qismina Sweet, as Maya, matches his performance with a blend of youthful defiance and vulnerability. Their chemistry is what makes the film shine—there is no need for dramatic declarations when a simple glance between them can say so much.

The cinematography works in service of the story, never drawing too much attention to itself but always complementing the mood. The use of warm, earthy tones gives the film a sense of familiarity and comfort, even in its more difficult moments. The camera lingers on small details—a flickering light in their home, the crumpled resume in Isyak’s hands, and Maya’s nervous glance at her father—all of which add to the film’s quiet realism. The framing often keeps them close together in the same shot, reinforcing their bond even when they are at odds.

However, the film is not without its flaws. The pacing, while deliberately slow to enhance its realism, sometimes borders on sluggish. Certain sequences stretch longer than necessary, making the narrative feel repetitive in places. There are moments where the emotional weight is already clear, but the film chooses to dwell on them a bit too long, slightly diluting their impact. Additionally, while Isyak and Maya are fully realized characters, some of the supporting roles feel underdeveloped. Friends, co-workers, and extended family members appear briefly but never leave a lasting impression, making their presence feel more like a plot necessity than an organic part of the world.

Despite these minor setbacks, "Babah" remains a deeply touching film. It doesn’t try to be larger than life, nor does it rely on artificial conflicts to move its story forward. Instead, it embraces the simplicity of everyday life and finds beauty in the resilience of its characters. The film’s message is clear: love, even when tested by hardship, remains the strongest foundation. It is a story about the quiet sacrifices parents make, the silent struggles children notice but don’t always understand, and the way time shapes the bonds between them.

At its core, "Babah" is a film that doesn’t need grand moments to make an impact. Its strength lies in its honesty and in the way it captures life’s difficulties without resorting to unnecessary embellishments. While the pacing might test some viewers' patience and a few characters could have been given more depth, the film’s emotional authenticity makes up for these shortcomings. It is a poignant, beautifully acted drama that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times