‘Why Do You Love Me’ (2023) Netflix Movie Review - A Heartfelt and Hilarious Road Trip Comedy

Why Do You Love Me is a 2023 Indonesian movie directed by Rako Prijanto and written by Joko Anwar. It is a remake of the 2011 Belgian film Hasta la Vista, which was inspired by a true story. The movie follows three young men with different physical challenges who decide to go on a road trip to a brothel that caters to people with disabilities. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, adventures, and surprises that test their friendship and their courage.

The movie introduces the three main characters: Baskara (Adipati Dolken), a paraplegic with paralyzed nerves; Danton (Jefri Nichol), who has a brain tumor that paralyzes his lower body; and Miko (Onadio Leonardo), who is completely blind due to retinitis pigmentosa. They are all frustrated with their lack of sexual experience and their overprotective parents. They meet online and form a bond over their shared desire to have sex for the first time.

They hatch a plan to go to a brothel in Surabaya that specializes in serving people with disabilities. They hire a driver named Rini (TJ Ruth Lyodra Ginting), who is unaware of their destination and their intentions. They lie to their parents and sneak out of their homes, taking along some money, clothes, and medication.

The road trip is full of challenges and mishaps, as they have to deal with flat tires, police checkpoints, angry bikers, and hostile locals. They also have to deal with their own insecurities, fears, and doubts, as well as their growing feelings for Rini, who turns out to be more than just a driver. Along the way, they learn more about themselves, each other, and the meaning of love.

Why Do You Love Me? is a movie that skillfully balances comedy and drama. It does not shy away from the harsh realities of living with disabilities, but it also does not pity or patronize its characters. It shows them as human beings with flaws, hopes, dreams, and humor. The movie does not make fun of their disabilities but rather uses them as a source of comedy that stems from their situations and interactions.

The movie also tackles some sensitive topics such as sexuality, consent, abuse, and death in a respectful and realistic way. It does not sugarcoat or glamorize the experiences of the characters, but it also does not portray them as hopeless or helpless. It shows them as capable of making choices, taking risks, and facing consequences.

The movie benefits from the excellent performances of its cast, especially the three leads who have great chemistry and charisma. Adipati Dolken delivers a nuanced portrayal of Baskara, who struggles with his anger issues and his feelings for Rini. Jefri Nichol gives a touching performance as Danton, who tries to hide his pain and fear behind his jokes and optimism. Onadio Leonardo steals the show as Miko, who provides most of the comic relief with his witty remarks and hilarious antics.

The movie also features some memorable supporting characters, such as Rini, who is more than just a love interest or a plot device. She is a complex and independent woman who has her own backstory and motivations. She is not there to save or fix the boys but rather to accompany them on their journey. 

The movie has some flaws that could have been improved, such as the pacing, which is sometimes too slow or too fast. The movie could have used some more editing to trim down some unnecessary scenes or dialogues that drag on for too long or do not add much to the story. The movie could have also used some more development for some of the subplots or characters that are introduced but not explored enough.

The movie also has some clichés and stereotypes that could have been avoided or subverted, such as the portrayal of some of the antagonists or minor characters who are either too cartoonish or too one-dimensional. The movie could have also used some more diversity and representation in terms of race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.

Why Do You Love Me? is a movie that offers a refreshing and original take on the road trip comedy genre. It is a movie that celebrates the power of friendship, the beauty of diversity, and the joy of love. It is a movie that makes you laugh, and cry, and deserves to be appreciated by everyone.

Final Score – [6/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal
Follow @ArpitaMond33387 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times