About Levitating
In a town where pleasure equals being possessed by spiritual beings, Bayu aspires to be the shaman of a trance party so he can fundraise enough money to prevent an impending eviction.
Wregas Bhanuteja has consistently proven himself to be one of the most provocative voices in contemporary Indonesian cinema, often using surrealist imagery to dissect the anxieties of the working class. With his latest project, Levitating, he steps into a realm where the intersection of ancestral mysticism and modern economic desperation becomes the central conflict. The film introduces us to Bayu, a man whose ambition is inextricably linked to the underground world of trance parties. In this specific fictional setting, the line between divine ecstasy and physical possession is not just a spiritual belief but a social currency. By grounding his narrative in the harsh reality of urban displacement, Bhanuteja elevates what could have been a standard drama into an exploration of how far individuals will go when their very existence is threatened by the threat of losing their home.
The film stands out by blending the visceral energy of nightlife culture with the gravity of a high-stakes heist or a survival thriller. While Indian cinema has often explored the theme of spiritual possession through the lens of horror, Levitating treats the phenomenon as a peculiar, almost mundane aspect of the economy. This shift in perspective provides a fresh angle for viewers who are accustomed to the genre conventions seen in Telugu or Tamil supernatural dramas, where the focus is usually on exorcism or karma. Instead, this Indonesian production invites the audience to consider how ritualistic performance can be commodified. It is a stylistic departure that feels both grounded and dreamlike, reflecting the director’s signature ability to find beauty in the chaotic, often overlooked fringes of society.
Fans of character-driven narratives who appreciate films that challenge traditional storytelling will find much to admire here. Aimee Janice and the ensemble cast deliver performances that navigate the fine line between genuine spiritual fervor and calculated theater. The film is positioned as a must-watch for those who enjoy the atmospheric intensity found in the works of directors like Lijo Jose Pellissery or the gritty social commentary of Anurag Kashyap. By focusing on the desperation of the protagonist rather than the spectacle of the ritual itself, the movie maintains a humanistic core that resonates long after the credits roll. Whether you are a devotee of Southeast Asian cinema or simply someone looking for a narrative that defies simple categorization, Levitating offers a profound look at the sacrifices demanded by a world that values profit over people.
Cast(39)
