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Movie poster for Rumah Masa Depan (2023)

Rumah Masa Depan

2023
1h 49m
Director: Danial Rifki
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Overview

Sukri and Surti had to return to Cibeureum because Sukri's father died. However, after the funeral, Sukri's family could not immediately return to Jakarta, because his mother was involved in a criminal case. Meanwhile, their two children, Bayu and Gerhana, are starting to feel comfortable because they have met extraordinary new friends, Cempaka and Sangaji, go on an adventure to help solve the family's problems in an unexpected way. The sense of family is tested in the face of challenging situations.

Cast

12 people

Reviews

5 min read

The House That Time Forgot

I didn’t expect to cry in a Netflix drama about a family stuck in a village. Not because the premise is unpromising—quite the opposite—but because I’ve seen this trick before. The funeral, the unresolved legal mess, the kids who start to like it there.

It’s the kind of story that either leans into sentimentality or finds something real in the cracks. Rumah Masa Depan tries to do both,And for a while, it almost works.

The film opens with a long shot of Cibeureum, the kind of place where the air feels thicker, the colors more saturated. The camera lingers on the rice fields, the dirt roads, the way the light hits the houses. It’s pretty, but not in a postcard way—more like a memory you can’t quite place.

Sukri (Fedi Nuril) and Surti (Laura Basuki) arrive with their two kids, Bayu and Gerhana, after Sukri’s father dies. The funeral is quick, but the real trouble starts when Sukri’s mother, Bu Kokom (Widyawati), gets tangled up in a criminal case. Suddenly, they can’t leave.

The kids, who were supposed to be there for a few days, start to settle in. They make friends. They explore.

They start to forget Jakarta.

A family sits on a wooden porch, the warm light of dusk casting long shadows across the village

That’s the setup, and it’s a good one. The tension between city and country, between obligation and desire, is a classic dynamic. But Rumah Masa Depan isn’t content to just let the story breathe.

It keeps nudging you, reminding you that this is a story, that there’s a lesson here. The kids’ adventures—helping their new friends Cempaka and Sangaji solve a mystery—feel like they’re straight out of a children’s book. Which is fine, except that the film keeps cutting back to the adults, who are having their own, much heavier problems.

The tonal whiplash is jarring. One minute, you’re watching a lighthearted adventure about kids on bikes. The next, you’re watching a mother grapple with the possibility of losing her home.

The performances are the film’s strongest suit. Laura Basuki, in particular, is a revelation. She plays Surti as someone who’s trying so hard to keep it together, but you can see the cracks.

Buzz & Rumors

Public reports

Behind the Scenes of Rumah Masa Depan (2023): A Nostalgic Revival with Modern Twists

Rumah Masa Depan (2023) marks a rare cinematic revival, breathing new life into a story that first captivated Indonesian audiences nearly four decades ago. Directed by Danial Rifki, the film adapts the 1984 television series of the same name by Ali Shahab, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling. But what went into resurrecting this beloved tale for the big screen?

A Legacy Reimagined

The original Rumah Masa Depan was a cultural touchstone in 1980s Indonesia, and its 2023 adaptation stays true to its roots while updating the narrative for modern audiences. The film follows Sukri (Fedi Nuril) and Surti (Laura Basuki), a couple forced to return to Cibeureum after Sukri’s father’s death. Their stay prolongs unexpectedly when Sukri’s mother becomes entangled in a criminal case, leaving the family—and their two children, Bayu and Gerhana—in limbo. Meanwhile, the kids befriend Cempaka and Sangaji, leading to adventures that drive the plot .

The decision to adapt a classic TV series isn’t just a creative gamble; it’s a nod to Indonesia’s rich storytelling tradition. Rifki, known for his work across genres like comedy, drama, and thriller, brings a fresh perspective to the material, though details about his directorial approach remain scarce .

Casting Choices: Familiar Faces and New Talent

The ensemble cast blends seasoned actors with rising stars. Laura Basuki and Fedi Nuril, both prominent figures in Indonesian cinema, anchor the film as the lead couple. Basuki, known for her versatility, and Nuril, a familiar face in dramas and thrillers, bring depth to their roles as parents navigating family turmoil .

Veteran actress Widyawati Sophiaan, a legend in Indonesian entertainment, plays Sukri’s mother, adding gravitas to the film’s emotional core. The younger cast includes Bima Azriel and Ciara Nadine Brosnan as Bayu and Gerhana, alongside Maisha Kanna, Zayyan Sakha, and Cok Simbara, who round out the supporting roles. The inclusion of child actors suggests a focus on generational dynamics, a theme that resonates with the original series’ family-centric storytelling .

Production and Release: What We Know (and What We Don’t)

Rumah Masa Depan hit theaters on December 7, 2023, but details about its production remain limited. There’s no confirmed information about filming locations, budget, or behind-the-scenes challenges—common gaps when covering Indonesian films outside major studio releases. Rumors about on-set chemistry or directorial quirks are unverified, leaving fans to speculate based on the final product .

One intriguing detail is the film’s setting in Cibeureum, a real location in West Java. While the original series’ filming spots are unknown, the 2023 adaptation’s choice of Cibeureum adds a layer of authenticity, grounding the story in a recognizable Indonesian landscape .

Why This Revival Matters

Rumah Masa Depan isn’t just a remake; it’s a bridge between generations. For older audiences, it’s a trip down memory lane. For younger viewers, it’s an introduction to a story that defined Indonesian television. The film’s blend of family drama, mystery, and adventure—hinted at in the synopsis—suggests a universal appeal, though critical reception remains undocumented in the available evidence.

If the film succeeds, it could pave the way for more revivals of classic Indonesian stories. For now, Rumah Masa Depan stands as a testament to the enduring power of nostalgia, reimagined for a new era.

Entertainment rumors and trivia aggregated from public reporting. Treat speculation as unverified unless a cited source confirms it.