‘Blessed You’ Netflix Movie Review - A Likable Comedy Drama

Look at the opening scene of Ody C. Harahap's Blessed You (aka, Mohon Doa Restu). A girl, Mel (Syifa Hadju), and a boy, Satya (Jefri Nichol), stand on the opposite sides of a door. When the door is opened, you expect the girl to welcome the boy inside her house. This is where the movie subverts your expectations. Satya is seen walking with some other girl, while Mel lets another boy, Brasco, inside her house. Satya's mother, Ira (Sarah Sechan), and Mel's mother, Widi (Cut Mini Theo), are best friends. They take some time to realize that they should let their children fall for each other, but this opening scene instantly tells us that this story is about Satya and Mel and that they are made for each other.

Helicopter parents harm their kids with their controlling blades. Their overt desire to manipulate, and micromanage every aspect of their children's lives can be pernicious. Just consider Satya's behavior. He looks as stiff as a puppet. There aren't many expressions on his face. At first, I thought the fault lies in Nichol's performance. Then, I gradually understood he was deliberately acting unrelaxed. Throughout his life, Satya has been saying "yes" to his mother. Consequently, he has become a bit unsure of his senses. Satya needs to be pushed to make decisions. It's because of Ira and Widi that he finds the motivation to pursue Mel again.

Mel, on the other hand, has rescued herself from becoming a marionette. This is why Hadju's performance is freer, more expressive, more open. Still, it's impossible to fully escape from mothers like Ira and Widi, who launch their schemes so forcefully that their targets get entangled in them. Hence, Satya and Mel go on a date and fall for each other within a few minutes. In one of the scenes here, he tells her that his father (now dead) used to say, "A sincere love can make us sacrifice anything we love." Thank god the dad is not around to dispense more such lessons.

Forget Satya and Mel; their mothers feel more excited about the nuptial. They pick out the flowers, the venue, the dress. It seems all the bride and groom must do is show up at the event. This is where Mel becomes irritated. She has her own plans for her wedding, which are extremely different from that of the mothers. And since Satya is too afraid to say "No, ma'am," she decides to end the whole arrangement. Pick a spine before picking up a bride, Satya. I can't say I disagree with Mel. But I can also see where Satya's obedience is coming from. Hey, this is actually not a bad film.

The message here is that the parents shouldn't be too controlling and that you shouldn't pay attention to what others are saying. Marry whenever you are ready. All these points are delivered with a light touch. We never feel as if someone is lecturing us. Harahap gives the movie a gentle pace. Even the most chaotic situations are executed without any strain. Sure, Brasco could have been used in a better way. He could have created more juicy complications. Mel's only friend, Astrid (Dea Panendra), is totally wasted. Yet, Blessed You manages to be delightful and watchable. Its simple, unostentatious charm wins you over. Ira and Widi steal the spotlight from the main couple. Their friendship is the fuel that powers this likable film.

Final Score- [6/10]
Reviewed by - Vikas Yadav
Follow @vikasonorous on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times