Watch 27 Steps of May

27 Steps of May is a powerful and emotional drama film from Indonesia that was released in 2018. Directed by Ravi L. Bharwani, the film tells the story of a young girl named May who is forced to confront her traumatic past and reconcile with her estranged father. The film opens with May, played by Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja, who is a 14-year-old girl living with her mother in Jakarta. May’s mother is a successful businesswoman who is constantly working, leaving May feeling neglected and alone. One day, May’s mother tells her that they will be travelling to her father's house in a small village in the countryside, as he has fallen ill and wishes to see his daughter one last time. May is reluctant to go, as she hasn’t seen her father in years and resents him for abandoning her and her mother when she was young.

When they arrive in the village, May finds that her father, played by Lukman Sardi, has not actually fallen ill, but has staged the situation as an excuse for them to come visit. May is angry at first, feeling that her father has once again played with her emotions, but as time goes on, she starts to warm up to him and sees sides of him that she never knew before. However, her father's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and soon May realizes that there is something darker that is plaguing her father, and that his illness is not just a fabrication.

As the film progresses, May goes on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her own feelings and memories of the past. She uncovers secrets about her family and her father's past actions that are difficult for her to process. As she tries to come to terms with these revelations, she also begins to see that her father is suffering from a debilitating illness that is affecting not only him, but their entire family. She struggles to find a way to help him and to forgive him for the pain that he has caused her.

The film is incredibly powerful and emotionally challenging, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and trauma. The performances by Raihaanun Soeriaatmadja, Lukman Sardi, and Ario Bayu as May's uncle are all exceptional, bringing depth and nuance to their characters. The cinematography is also stunning, showcasing the beautiful Indonesian countryside and capturing the emotions of the characters in a visually striking way.

One of the most striking things about the film is its portrayal of trauma and its effects on both individuals and families. May's journey is characterized by her struggle to navigate her own feelings and reactions to the traumatic events that occurred in her past. Through her journey, the film offers a nuanced look at the complexity of trauma and its lingering effects on individuals and families.

Overall, 27 Steps of May is a deeply moving and thought-provoking film that tackles important and difficult themes with sensitivity and nuance. Its exploration of family, trauma, and forgiveness make it a must-watch for anyone interested in powerful and emotional dramas.

27 Steps of May is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.