Actor Beto Kusyairy, 46, says that at this stage in his career, he’s no longer chasing popularity or fame. Instead, he is focused on projects that are meaningful and creatively fulfilling.
That is why the Malaysia Film Festival Best Actor winner does not limit himself to either television or film.
“Whether it’s a film or a TV series, if the script is good, the team is good, the director is good and the overall production is strong, why wouldn’t I do it?
“I even do radio dramas. I simply want to work on projects that bring me personal satisfaction,” he said at a press meet following a special screening of the penultimate episode of Good Boys Go To Heaven (GBGTH).
The eight-episode series is one such project, he said.
In the Astro Originals production, Beto plays the father of an eight-year-old boy who goes missing before being found murdered. Although his character is a loving father, gaps in his memory surrounding the day of the incident lead police to suspect him of the crime.
Throughout its run, the series has attracted considerable attention, not only as a gripping whodunit but also for its exploration of themes such as childhood trauma, sexual abuse and child exploitation.
In a press statement, Astro Shaw shared that GBGTH is one of the most talked-about local titles of the year, having made a significant impact online – generating more than 58 million video views and reaching 9.5 million users across social media platforms.
Its momentum carried over to Netflix, where it secured a spot on the platform’s Top 10 chart for six straight weeks.
According to Beto – who actively interacted with fans on Instagram and Threads, alongside fellow cast members – audience engagement has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the show’s success.
“At the beginning, everyone was busy coming up with theories. Everybody wanted to be a detective.
“To me, that’s a huge success because it means people are discussing the series and engaging with it.”
As the series progressed, however, the conversations took on a deeper tone.
“I’ve read comments and DMs from people who have opened up about experiences that are similar to some of the situations portrayed in the show,” the Imaginur and Gayong star continued.
“Some have shared personal stories and difficult experiences from their past.
“I’m glad they feel brave enough to speak about these things, even if it’s only on social media for now.
“Hopefully it helps them having had an outlet to express what they’ve been carrying.”
Beto further hopes discussions surrounding sexual abuse and harassment will become less taboo in our society.
“In the past, many parents were concerned about family honour and reputation. But I think society has changed.
“People today are certainly more courageous when it comes to bringing these issues into the public conversation and seeking justice.”
He added that the GBGTH production team initially set out simply to tell the story honestly, hoping it would create awareness and resonate with viewers.
What they did not anticipate was the extent to which the series would spark conversations about sensitive issues.
“We’re not trying to educate people directly – drama isn’t necessarily an educational medium. But perhaps this series proves that Malaysian audiences are ready to discuss these kinds of issues.
“The important thing is how you tell the story. When it’s handled subtly, audiences are willing to engage with those conversations.”
Reflecting on what the project has meant to him, Beto quoted author Eugene Bell Jr’s words – “aspire to inspire”.
“I hope this series encourages filmmakers, writers and creators to think outside the box and push storytelling further.
“We’ve already seen healthy progress in the Malaysian film and television industry.
“Production values are improving, storytelling is evolving and we’re seeing a wider variety of genres.
“Whether it’s action, comedy, crime thrillers or horror, we’re celebrating that diversity.
“I hope this series can contribute to that momentum and inspire even better productions in the years ahead,” he said.
Good Boys Go To Heaven is available on Astro On Demand, Sooka and Netflix.
