monisme (2023) movie review

In his latest venture, "Monisme," Riar Rizaldi delves back into the subject of Mount Merapi, marking his first feature film. The project emerged from extensive research on Mount Merapi that began in 2018. During this process, Rizaldi and his team encountered individuals who openly shared their profound connections with the mountain, emphasizing its significance in their lives. Three key figures emerged from this exploration: Pak Yulianto, a volcanologist; Pak Suparno, a sand miner; and Pak Juritno, a mystic shaman. Rizaldi not only collaborated with them to co-write the script but also involved them in decision-making processes regarding the film's direction.

This collaborative approach not only produced a co-authored script but also integrated the unique perspectives of these individuals into the filmmaking process. By working closely with a volcanologist, a sand miner, and a mystic shaman, Riar Rizaldi brings diverse viewpoints to the forefront, enriching the narrative and offering a multifaceted exploration of Mount Merapi. The decision to involve these individuals in the creative process reflects Rizaldi's commitment to a more inclusive and immersive filmmaking experience, where the voices of those intimately connected to the subject matter shape the final artistic product.

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monisme (2023) movie review

In the contemporary setting of Indonesia, "Monisme" unfolds tales centered around Mount Merapi, the nation's most active volcano. The film explores the lives of various groups intricately connected to Merapi, including scientists studying it, sand miners extracting its resources, shamans venerating it, and militia members who both instill fear and derive their livelihood from the mountain. Symbolically, these groups mirror the dynamics of the nation-state exerting control over the mountain.

"Monisme" deviates from a typical documentary format, offering a unique cinematic experience. Riar Rizaldi weaves together multiple narratives, employing diverse cinematic genres to give each story its distinct look and adhere to its own set of cinematic conventions. Like his previous works, Rizaldi incorporates mixed media elements such as photographs, drawings, radio news snippets, and surveillance footage. Additionally, the best film features interviews, whether reenacted or not, seamlessly integrated into the overall narrative.

This unconventional approach not only enhances the storytelling but also allows each storyline to have its own visual and thematic identity. By combining various cinematic elements and genres, Rizaldi adds layers to the film, creating a rich and immersive viewing experience. The inclusion of mixed media and interviews, whether real or reenacted, further contributes to the film's complexity, offering audiences a multifaceted exploration of the diverse relationships between people and Mount Merapi. In essence, "Monisme" emerges as a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic work that goes beyond traditional storytelling boundaries.

In the first part of "Monisme," the focus is on a militia, and it has all the spooky elements you'd expect from a horror movie: dark tone, gloomy setting, and eerie music. Interestingly, this narrative is unique because its characters appear in other parts of the best film. The scientists' storyline seems like a straightforward drama initially, but it transforms into a deep discussion about human arrogance, almost taking on a documentary style at times. The third section features a female documentary-maker interviewing mistreated miners. Although you might expect a documentary feel, it turns out to be the most narrative part of the film. Lastly, the shaman's story is the most experimental, aligning with the supernatural themes he discusses.

You might think these diverse elements could make the film confusing, but there are key factors that tie everything together. Mount Merapi is a constant presence, serving as both the backdrop and the driving force for the characters. It unites them and motivates their actions. Another connecting thread is the story of a body found in the forest, linking all the sections to the same time and place. The main actors, like Rendra Bagus Pamungkas and Kidung Paramadita, play multiple roles, creating a sense of familiarity in different scenes but also adding a touch of confusion.

In essence, "Monisme" fits seamlessly into Riar Rizaldi's body of work. It's a hybrid film, blending dramatization, reenactment, genre filmmaking, and staged interviews. At its core, it's an essay film exploring humanity's relationship with the Earth and the various ways we exploit and misuse nature for our own gain. The film presents a thought-provoking examination of our place in the world and the consequences of our actions on the environment.