Watch Photocopier

Photocopier is a thought-provoking Indonesian mystery-drama film directed by Wregas Bhanuteja and released in 2021. It is a movie that intricately weaves elements of social commentary with suspenseful storytelling, exploring themes such as privacy, social media, consent, and the complex dynamics within friendships and family. The film stars Shenina Cinnamon in the lead role, supported by a talented cast including Dea Panendra and Giulio Parengkuan, among others.

The story revolves around the life of a young woman named Sur, portrayed with remarkable depth by Shenina Cinnamon. Sur is a bright college student whose life gets turned upside down following a night of partying. She wakes up to find that explicit photos of her are circulating on social media, but she has no recollection of the events of that fateful night. This incident not only jeopardizes her scholarship but also brings her under the disparaging scrutiny of her peers and conservative family.

Sur's struggle leads her to seek the truth about the night in question. In the process, she enlists the help of her old friend, a photocopy shop worker played by Giulio Parengkuan. The name "Photocopier" metaphorically ties to the main plot, highlighting the replication and spread of images in the digital age and how it can lead to consequences that are far from duplicative in real life. The photocopy shop becomes a central hub of the investigation as Sur and her friend use various methods to uncover what really happened.

Dea Panendra's character is another key piece in this intricate puzzle. As Sur navigates through a web of lies, deceit, and betrayals, her loyalties and beliefs are tested. The interactions with her confidants and potential suspects add layers to the mystery, and the audience is drawn into Sur's desperate quest for answers and vindication.

Director Wregas Bhanuteja's vision for Photocopier is to create a narrative that is as engaging as it is introspective. The film is paced to allow audiences to immerse themselves in Sur's emotional and psychological journey, and it uses suspense as a tool not just for excitement but also for critiquing societal issues. The director skillfully builds tension, making the viewers question the reliability of characters, the intrusive power of technology, and the vulnerability of personal boundaries.

From a cinematographic standpoint, Photocopier boasts a vivid visual style that underlines the film’s themes. The contrast between the sterile lighting of the photocopy shop and the dark hues of Sur’s university life not only enhances the mood of the film but also echoes the dichotomy between truth and illusion. The camerawork is meticulous, often using close-ups to capture the nuances of the characters' emotional states, amplifying the film's impact on its audience.

The screenplay, co-written by Bhanuteja and Henricus Pria, is both taut and contemplative. The dialogues are crafted to resonate authenticity, while also serving to drive the plot forward. The use of technology and social media in the narrative is portrayed realistically, reflecting contemporary issues faced by young adults in a digitally connected world. As much as Photocopier is a mystery about finding the culprit, it is equally a story of self-discovery and resilience.

Performance-wise, Shenina Cinnamon delivers a compelling portrayal of Sur. With a profound sense of vulnerability and determination, Cinnamon captures the contradictions and struggles of someone fighting against a society quick to judge and slow to understand. The supporting cast, including Dea Panendra and Giulio Parengkuan, provide solid performances that enhance the film’s emotional depth and contribute significantly to its suspenseful atmosphere.

Without giving away any spoilers, it is the film’s resolution that leaves a lasting impression. The journey to the truth in Photocopier is layered with complex moral questions, and the audience is made to ponder the far-reaching consequences of our digitized lives. It doesn’t shy away from exposing the uncomfortable realities of victim-blaming and the arduous process of seeking justice.

The score and soundtrack of the film further augment the narrative, with music that underscores key moments without overpowering the scenes. The editing is sharp, ensuring that the film maintains its rhythm and keeping the viewers engaged through its twists and turns. Photocopier also benefits from its sound design, which subtly accentuates the tension and drama.

In conclusion, Photocopier is not just a movie; it is a powerful statement on contemporary issues, an engaging drama fueled by solid performances, and a suspenseful mystery that keeps its audience guessing until the final frame. It is a significant work that sheds light on the darker side of the digital era, all the while telling a human story about the search for truth and justice in a world that often seems to have lost sight of both.

Photocopier is a 2022 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.