Name: Today We'll Talk About That Day
Genre: Drama, Family, Romance
Released: 2023-07-27T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jourdy Pranata, Yunita Siregar, Rio Dewanto, Donny Damara, Agla Artalidia

The opening shot lingers on Narendra’s weathered hands tracing the edges of an old photograph, a moment that sets the emotional tone for Angga Dwimas Sasongko’s “Today We’ll Talk About That Day.” This prequel to 2020’s “One Day We’ll Talk About Today” weaves together past and present, exploring the formative love story between Narendra (Jourdy Pranata) and Ajeng (Yunita Siregar). The film leans heavily on its Indonesian setting and familial themes, but its execution is uneven.

Sasongko’s direction excels in quiet, intimate moments. The chemistry between Pranata and Siregar crackles in scenes like the moonlit confession under a banyan tree, where their whispered promises feel genuinely tender. Donny Damara’s portrayal of an older Narendra brings gravitas, particularly in his reflective monologues that bookend the narrative. The use of soft piano scores (a recurring point among critics) effectively underscores these emotional beats.

However, the film stumbles when it attempts to juggle its dual timelines. The present-day segments with Damara often feel like afterthoughts, disrupting the flow of the central romance. Rio Dewanto’s performance as their son Angkasa is underutilized, his character serving more as a narrative device than a fully realized person. Additionally, the pacing drags in the second act, where subplots involving supporting characters (like Agla Artalidia’s Lika) introduce unnecessary complications without adding meaningful depth.

The cinematography captures the lush landscapes of Indonesia beautifully, but some shots—particularly those framed through windows or doorways—feel overly stylized, distracting from the emotional core. The sound design also misses opportunities; ambient noise during key dialogues sometimes muffles crucial lines, forcing viewers to strain for clarity.

“Today We’ll Talk About That Day” ultimately suffers from its own ambition. It wants to be both a sweeping romance and a family drama, but the seams show in its hasty transitions between eras.