“Review: 112: Maarnami – A Gripping Tale of Resilience Amidst Disaster
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Review: 112: Maarnami – A Gripping Tale of Resilience Amidst Disaster

"112: Maarnami" (often simply referred to as "112") is a 2023 Indonesian disaster drama film directed by Monti Tiwa. The movie plunges viewers into the heart of a devastating earthquake that struck Maarnami, a fictional village nestled in the Indonesian archipelago. More than just a spectacle of destruction, the film focuses on the human stories that emerge from the rubble, exploring themes of resilience, community, and the unwavering spirit of survival.
Synopsis
The film opens with a glimpse of life in Maarnami before the catastrophe. We are introduced to several key characters:
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Aris (played by Andi Arsyil Rahman): A dedicated emergency response officer working at the local 112 call center. He is committed to his job, often working long hours and facing the frustrations of limited resources.
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Nisa (played by Fanny Ghassani): A young doctor working at the village’s small clinic. She is passionate about serving her community and often goes above and beyond to provide care.
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Pak Hasan (played by Piet Pagau): An elderly village elder, respected for his wisdom and calm demeanor. He embodies the traditional values of community and mutual support.
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Several other villagers: The film also introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, including farmers, fishermen, teachers, and families, each with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles.

Their lives are irrevocably shattered when a massive earthquake strikes Maarnami. The village is reduced to ruins in a matter of minutes, and chaos ensues. Aris and his team at the 112 call center are overwhelmed with calls for help. Nisa struggles to treat the injured amidst the wreckage of the clinic. Pak Hasan tries to rally the survivors and maintain order.
The film follows these characters as they navigate the aftermath of the disaster. They face numerous challenges:
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Rescue efforts: Aris and his team work tirelessly to locate and rescue survivors trapped under the rubble. They face logistical difficulties, limited equipment, and the constant threat of aftershocks.
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Medical crisis: Nisa and other medical personnel are overwhelmed by the sheer number of injured. They struggle to provide care with limited supplies and resources.
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Survival: The survivors must find food, water, and shelter in the devastated village. They face hunger, thirst, and the constant threat of disease.
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Emotional trauma: The earthquake has left deep emotional scars on the survivors. They must cope with the loss of loved ones, the destruction of their homes, and the psychological impact of the disaster.
As the days pass, the survivors of Maarnami begin to rebuild their lives. They rely on each other for support, drawing strength from their shared experiences and their unwavering hope for the future.
Strengths
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Realistic Portrayal of Disaster: "112: Maarnami" excels in its realistic depiction of the earthquake and its aftermath. The special effects are convincing, and the film does not shy away from showing the devastation and suffering caused by the disaster. The film also accurately portrays the challenges faced by emergency responders and medical personnel in such situations.
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Strong Character Development: The film features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique stories and motivations. The characters are well-developed, and the audience becomes invested in their fates. The film explores the characters’ emotional journeys as they cope with loss, trauma, and the challenges of survival.
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Emphasis on Community and Resilience: "112: Maarnami" is ultimately a story about the strength of the human spirit. The film highlights the importance of community, mutual support, and resilience in the face of adversity. The survivors of Maarnami find strength in each other, and they work together to rebuild their lives.
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Social Commentary: The film also offers subtle social commentary on the challenges faced by remote communities in Indonesia. It highlights the limitations of resources and infrastructure in such areas, and it raises questions about disaster preparedness and response.
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Emotional Impact: "112: Maarnami" is a deeply emotional film that is sure to resonate with viewers. The film’s realistic portrayal of the disaster and its focus on human stories create a powerful and moving experience.
Weaknesses
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Predictable Plot: While the film is well-executed, the plot is somewhat predictable. The film follows many of the tropes of the disaster genre, and there are few surprises along the way.
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Melodramatic Moments: At times, the film can veer into melodrama. Some of the emotional scenes feel forced or contrived, and they detract from the film’s overall realism.
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Pacing Issues: The film’s pacing is uneven. The first half of the film is slow and deliberate, while the second half is more action-packed. This can make the film feel somewhat disjointed.
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Limited Scope: The film focuses primarily on the experiences of the survivors in Maarnami. It does not explore the broader context of the disaster, such as the government’s response or the impact on other communities.
Acting
The acting in "112: Maarnami" is generally strong. Andi Arsyil Rahman delivers a convincing performance as the dedicated emergency response officer. Fanny Ghassani is equally impressive as the compassionate doctor. Piet Pagau shines as the wise village elder. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles.
Direction and Cinematography
Monti Tiwa’s direction is competent, and he effectively conveys the scale and devastation of the earthquake. The cinematography is visually striking, capturing the beauty of the Indonesian landscape as well as the destruction caused by the disaster. The film’s special effects are well-integrated into the narrative, enhancing the realism of the disaster.
Themes
"112: Maarnami" explores several important themes:
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Resilience: The film celebrates the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The survivors of Maarnami refuse to give up hope, and they work together to rebuild their lives.
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Community: The film highlights the importance of community and mutual support in times of crisis. The survivors of Maarnami rely on each other for strength and comfort.
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Loss and Grief: The film explores the emotional impact of loss and grief. The survivors of Maarnami must cope with the deaths of loved ones and the destruction of their homes.
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Hope: Despite the devastation, the film offers a message of hope. The survivors of Maarnami find strength in each other and in their belief in a better future.
Overall Impression
"112: Maarnami" is a gripping and emotional disaster drama that offers a realistic portrayal of the aftermath of an earthquake. The film is well-acted, well-directed, and visually striking. While the plot is somewhat predictable and the film has some pacing issues, it is ultimately a powerful and moving story about resilience, community, and the strength of the human spirit.
Target Audience
This film would likely appeal to:
- Viewers interested in disaster films.
- Audiences who appreciate stories about human resilience.
- Those interested in Indonesian culture and society.
- Individuals who enjoy emotionally resonant dramas.
Conclusion
"112: Maarnami" is a worthwhile watch for those seeking a compelling and thought-provoking disaster film. While it has some minor flaws, its strengths – particularly its realistic portrayal of the disaster and its focus on human stories – outweigh its weaknesses. The film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community in the face of adversity. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the connections we have with others. "112: Maarnami" is not just a disaster film; it’s a celebration of the human capacity for hope and healing.