Before, Now & Then

Directed by Kamila Andini
Film Movement
2022
103 Minutes
Indonesia
Indonesian
Drama, Asian
Not Rated
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Set amid the political violence of late-1960s Indonesia, Kamila Andini's intoxicating film BEFORE, NOW & THEN follows Nana, the beautiful wife of a wealthy plantation owner whose inner life remains with her deceased first husband, murdered in the civil war a decade prior. A survivor, Nana values her safety and material comforts, but carries out a haunted existence, dreaming of her lost love. Forced to confront her husband's blatant infidelity, Nana makes an unusual connection with his younger mistress, Ino. The two women, sharing their secrets and desires, discover a newfound freedom and intimacy withheld from them both by the strictures of patriarchal society. Framed by elegant cinematography and a lush score, BEFORE, NOW & THEN is a lyrical, transporting character study in the lineage of Wong Kar-wai and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, "wreathed in poetic melancholy and never less than beautiful" (Deadline).

Director & Cast

  • Director: Kamila Andini
  • Starring: Happy Salma
  • Starring: Laura Basuki
  • Starring: Arswendy Bening Swara
  • Starring: Ibnu Jamil

Where to Watch

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Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "Aesthetic flourishes... betray Wong Kar-Wai’s influence on “Before, Now & Then” and elevate it ... to the intoxicating sensory experience it is."
    Michael Nordine, Variety
  • "A precisely calibrated, emotionally nuanced exploration of one woman going through a mid-life crisis in rural Indonesia during the 1960s that both looks and sounds stunning thanks to above-and-beyond craft contributions."
    Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter
  • "It’s a handsomely mounted period piece, which acknowledges the strength required by previous generations of Indonesian women to rise above the patriarchal demands of a restrictive society."
    Wendy Ide, Screen Daily
  • "Before, Now & Then is a very carefully wrought arthouse film... wreathed in poetic melancholy and never less than beautiful; Batara Goempar’s cinematography belongs to another era of soft lamplight, rich shadows and glowing fabrics."
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline
  • "A daring narrative mix of the personal and the political..."
    Devika Girish, The New York Times
  • "Writer/director Kamila Andini adapts Ahda Imran’s biographical Jais Darga Namaku into a stirring vignette of a woman’s crossroaded, multifaceted existence as a survivor, mother, wife and businesswoman. [T]hrough Salma’s masterful performance, Nana’s psychological discomfort is inviting and empathetic...."
    Jacob Oller , Paste Magazine
  • "Andini captures complex female emotions and relationships in nuanced and fascinating detail, as well as the secrets we all keep, whether in knotted buns or not. Subtly stirring, it’s a sensitively crafted, immersive cinematic experience that lingers on the senses well after the credits roll."
    Sarah Bradbury, The Upcoming
  • "Drawing a number of deeply felt performances from her cast, it is an aching period piece...."
    Rory O'Connor, The Film Stage
  • "[A] nuanced, dramatic look at an underrepresented time in history as told by an underrepresented group in cinema. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure."
    Bobby LePire, Film Threat
  • "In some ways, the film is an example of classic melodrama in period costume. That said, its cultural specificities and an affinity between two women who should be at odds comprise a strong backbone that both supports and elevates the simple tale."
    Cláudio Alves, The Film Experience
  • "BEFORE, NOW, & THEN is a delight to the senses, intertwining intricate details of Indonesia's history, the personal tribulations of its characters, and the tireless spirit of women. It looks back at Indonesia's rich past while hinting at a promising, progressive future. The movie's allure is undeniable, captivating audiences from start to finish. But, a word of caution: it might feel a smidge lengthy for some. In conclusion, if you're ready for a movie experience that takes you through time, emotions, and powerful narratives, THEN, NOW & BEFORE is your ticket to ride."
    Chris Jones, Overly Honest Movie Reviews
  • "There’s much to admire in this winner of a Berlin Silver Bear (for Basuki’s performance), gorgeously composed and understatedly heartfelt as it is. The acting is appropriately stoic for the slow-burn narrative, and the leads keep the camera hooked. Swooning strings add sweep and emotion. [...] It’s a subtle piece with loads of atmosphere in which to get lost."
    Caroline Ely, Film Forward
  • "...a lovely film, touching on similar themes as Wong’s oeuvre while giving them a fresh feminist perspective."
    Lee Jutton, Film Inquiry
  • "[A] gorgeous, complex, and wonderfully melancholy film from Indonesian filmmaker Kamila Andini. "
    Jean Henegan, Pop Culture Maniacs
  • "This is an absolutely extraordinary film."
    Tim Cogshell, FilmWeek (KPCC - NPR Los Angeles)
  • "The film is Andini’s fourth feature, and with it continues her focus on the lives of women under patriarchal rule. It is a slow burn, perhaps too slow for American audiences weaned on fast pace and big effects, but Before, Now & Then is rich and insightful in its characterization of the oppressions women face, not just in Indonesia, and not just then, but also before, and now."
    J Paul Johnson, Film Obsessive
  • "Before, Now & Then tells a beautiful and personal story that balances 1960’s Indonesian turmoil with a universal story of womanhood that may still resonate today. It has great lead performances accompanied by solid writing and directing from Andini. This may not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I think it at least deserves a chance from everyone."
    Camden Ferrell, Disappointment Media
  • "Dreamy...a lovely meditation on patience, the glacial pace of true cultural change and a woman’s lot in much of the world, with many never daring to think of their happiness and freedom as anything more than a dream."
    Roger Moore, Roger's Movie Nation
  • "It offers rewards in its resplendent filmmaking while smartly examining the nuances of the feminine experience."
    Redmond Bacon, Dirty Movies
  • "[Happy] Salma, also a co-producer, proves an absorbing, nuanced performer."
    Valerie Kalfrin, Alliance of Women Film Journalists
Winner
Silver Bear - Best Supporting Performance
Berlin Int'l. Film Festival
Winner
Best Film
Asia-Pacific Screen Awards
Winner
Jury Prize
Brussels Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Golden Bear
Berlin Int'l. Film Festival
Nominated
Best Film
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Nominated
Best Director
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Nominated
Best Performance
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Nominated
Best Cinematography
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Nominated
Best Film
Sydney Film Festival
Official Selection
Taipei Film Festival
Official Selection
Vancouver International Film Festival
Official Selection
Chicago International Film Festival
Official Selection
AFI Fest