© Rekata Studio/Kaninga Pictures
“Andragogy,” directed by Indonesian filmmaker Wregas Bhanuteja, immerses the viewer in an exploration of the shifting social dynamics during the digital age, where the boundary between public and private life is increasingly blurred. With much narrative depth and a nuanced point of view, Bhanuteja crafts a thought-provoking and timely work about contemporary controversies and their ability to affect the most vulnerable among us.
Original Title: Budi Pekerti
Directed by: Wregas Bhanuteja
Year: 2023
Country: Indonesia, Singapore
Length: 110 minutes
Sha Ine Fabriyante delivers a captivating performance as Mrs. Prani, a devoted, middle-aged, working-class teacher with a strict and unconventional teaching style. Despite her unorthodox methods, her former students deeply admire her and are willing to support her whenever needed. However, Prani unexpectedly finds herself in the harsh glare of the spotlight on social media, leading her down a chilling path of uncertainty.
The movie’s plot starts with Prani arguing with a man who crossed a line where she was waiting. During the altercation, Prani expresses her frustration with the long queue by saying, “Ah Sui!” (which means ‘Too long!’ in Javanese). However, a doctored video of the incident goes viral on the internet, which falsely portrays Prani as an aggressor who was shouting the word “Asui” (‘filthy dog’ in Indonesian) towards an elderly woman who was observing the argument. This results in a massive misunderstanding, with the public unfairly judging Prani as an “Indonesian Karen.” The video receives countless views, and people demand a public apology from Prani. The situation quickly takes over Prani’s life. Reaction videos by famous influencers multiply, people start recognizing her from the viral clip, and even a remix of the song infiltrates her group jump rope classes. Amidst all this, Prani struggles to prevent the situation from consuming her completely.
The viral misinterpretation of Prani’s outburst has led to her being ostracized on the internet, and her job as a teacher is now in danger too. Prani is in the running for a promotion to vice principal, which she desperately needs to pay her bills and support her family. The woman is behind on her rent, and the promotion is her only chance to get back on track. However, the video of her outburst that made her infamous also catches the school board’s attention. Members are now questioning her fitness to be a teacher. To make things worse, her unconventional teaching methods also come under scrutiny by the internet. The screenplay weaves together Prani’s financial worries, her pending promotion to vice principal, and her neurodivergent husband’s spending habits to form a tapestry of all the factors that occupy her daily life and its stressors. The film juxtaposes Prani’s personal struggles with the ever-present threat of public ‘cancellation’, heightening the stakes and making her journey even tenser.
Last year’s “Tár” by Todd Field, which covers similar topics as Bhanuteja’s film, received a lot of attention and praise for its portrayal of a celebrity being held accountable by the public. However, “Andragogy” explores a different side of the ‘cancel culture’ phenomenon, which adds a new layer to the conversation. Unlike “Tár,” “Andragogy” looks at the life of a regular woman who faces constant turmoil after only a minor altercation. Despite its provocative and suggestively reactionary premise, Bhanuteja’s film does not necessarily criticize ‘cancel culture’ as a whole. Instead, the film serves as a cautionary tale on how manipulated videos going viral can negatively impact regular people, rather than people in positions of power, when harsh criticism becomes widespread. The movie highlights the dangers of making quick judgments in the digital era, emphasizing the importance of context and nuance. It shows how manipulated video clips can damage the reputations of not just celebrities but everyday people as well.
One of the film’s key strengths lies in its effective world-building, as Bhanuteja crafts a believable environment that portrays how modern technology is rapidly impacting our lives and how we are to adapt to that. In nearly every scene, the movie includes various digital concepts such as TikTok and VR headsets, among many other inventions, which demonstrate how our lives are increasingly influenced by digital interactions. Through Prani’s arc, the director also highlights the difficulties that older generations may face while navigating this realm, making it more difficult to adapt and easier to get lost in this digital world. Although sometimes comedically presented, the film neither condemns nor glorifies digital interactions. Instead, it presents a realistic depiction of how our society has evolved over time.
“Andragogy” is a thought-provoking film that warns about the harmful effects of viral culture on ordinary people. It challenges the viewer to think critically about the current societal developments and to reconsider our tendency to shame and stereotype, particularly when it comes to the most vulnerable around us. The movie underscores how swift judgments from the public can destroy someone’s life in no time.
“Andragogy” premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival as part of its Discovery lineup
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