Having earned over US$9 million at the Indonesian box office and won the hearts of more than three million viewers, the romantic fantasy film “Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan” is now ready to captivate audiences in Malaysia.
The film has also been selected as Indonesia’s official entry for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) in the Best International Feature Film category.
As the official distributor and marketing partner, Primeworks Studios proudly presents this special Indonesian film in Malaysia, with nationwide screenings commencing on Thursday (Sept 25).
Produced by Cerita Films under the leadership of Suryana Paramita and directed by the talented Yandy Laurens, Sore features an acclaimed cast including Dion Wiyoko, Sheila Dara Aisha, Goran Bogdan, Lara Nekic, Livio Badurina, Maya Hasan, and Mathias Muchus.
During a press meet in Kuala Lumpur, Yandy said he is extremely grateful that fans are loving the movie and also incredibly honoured that the movie has been Indonesia’s official entry for the Oscars.
But he also added that for the movie to go far until the final stage is indeed a hard task. Yandy said that the opportunity to advance to the next stage is not easy because the Oscar competition involves hundreds of international films with a complex evaluation process, as it is determined by more than 11,000 professional jurors.
"But just to be in that group is a big honour in itself. I'm not sure if we will win many awards, but I wrote and directed this movie for a reason. There is a message in the movie, and it is all about second chances and love between a special couple. Just knowing that millions have already watched the movie and loved it is the biggest honour. I'm very proud and thankful for that achievement," said Yandy.
The premise of the movie is interesting enough. What would happen if your partner suddenly appeared from the future, determined to change your life, even though you believe everything is already in the right place?
“Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan” follows Jonathan (played by Dion Wiyoko), who is caught off guard by the sudden arrival of a mysterious woman named Sore (played by Sheila Dara), claiming to be his wife from the future.
Sore’s sole purpose is to change Jonathan’s lifestyle before it is too late. Yet, as secrets from the future come to light, unforeseen twists disrupt their journey. Will Sore’s efforts succeed in transforming Jonathan’s life?
Adapted from the popular web series of the same title, the film version of Sore is more than just a retelling, unfolding on a grander scale with deeper emotional layers and a bolder cinematic touch.
What sets it apart is also the vivid imagination of the movie seen through Yandy's eyes. And the breathtaking landscape seen in the movie is excellent too.
It is a fantasy, and thus the reality bits are not in question. But the movie, with its own special twists and turns to the very end, was brilliant, and it keeps the viewers engaged throughout the two-hour show.
Yandy added that “Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan” was also inspired by his own personal reflections after getting married and being blessed with two children.
"It was also a time when I began to truly grasp the meaning of unconditional love. What started as a modest web series has now blossomed into a feature film that has touched the hearts of millions.
"I am genuinely thrilled to share this story with viewers in Malaysia, as I believe its message of love and second chances is universal,” said Yandy Laurens, the film’s director and script writer, also known for works such as "Keluarga Cemara, Jatuh Cinta Seperti di Film-Film, and 1 Kakak 7 Ponakan".
Complementing this heartfelt tale, "Sore" also presents stunning cinematography that takes viewers on a journey across three worlds: Jakarta, Croatia, and Finland, through frozen plains, breathtaking auroras, golden sunsets, and picturesque European villages. These striking visual contrasts not only enrich the narrative but also bring to life a fantastical romance that transcends time, space, and borders.
However, for the record, most of the movie was shot in Croatia. And Yandy can be commended for ensuring viewers fall in love with Croatia thanks to the superb cinematography.
Adding to the film’s emotional depth is its main soundtrack, "Terbuang Dalam Waktu" by Indonesian alternative rock band Barasuara. Each note resonates like a heartbeat, accompanying Jonathan and Sore throughout their journey and making the viewing experience profoundly intimate and memorable.
Lead actress Sheila Dara said that participating in the movie is an experience that she will never forget.
"I had to give my very best for this movie. It may have been easier for Dion (Wiyoko) because he was also the lead in the web series. But everything was new to me. I even had to learn the Croatian language, but that was a fun part, though. The web series was very popular back home, and I knew I had to be better than my best to ensure I play my part well," she said.
"I am thankful and grateful at the same time that the fans have accepted my part. Every actor and actress are at their happiest when fans accept our role."
For the record, the film also marks the first collaboration between Indonesian production house Cerita Films and the Croatian film industry. And the result: simply a wonderful movie that is worth the two hours of watching, especially for those romantic sci-fi fans.
