For months, Indonesian movie audiences have been talking about one film: 'Norma,' the story of a seemingly blissful marriage shattered by the husband's clandestine affair with his mother-in-law.
This plot was always destined to attract melodrama fans, but what makes 'Norma' a national obsession is its origin from a viral true story. In 2022, Norma Risma, a woman in Serang City, exposed her husband and mother's affair in a TikTok video, which quickly garnered millions of views and brought her a movie deal.
Released in Indonesian theaters in March and on Netflix in August, 'Norma' has rapidly gained popularity not just in Indonesia but also in Malaysia and Singapore. Notably, the film follows a trend where Indonesian filmmakers adapt viral social media scandals, as seen with other hits like 'KKN di Desa Penari' and 'Sewu Dino.'
Despite the sensitive nature of its themes—adultery is a crime in Indonesia—the film offers a voyeuristic escape into household scandals that fascinate a conservative audience. As viewers flock to see it, they are allowed a glimpse into others' family dramas, reflecting a complex blend of curiosity and moral scrutiny concerning infidelity.
The protagonist, Norma, who was heavily involved in the scriptwriting process, shares her journey of overcoming the betrayal, providing a voice to other women who have faced similar situations. Today, she continues to share her life updates on social media, receiving overwhelming support and empathy from the Indonesian community, highlighting both the empowerment and the societal challenges women face in a patriarchal society.
This plot was always destined to attract melodrama fans, but what makes 'Norma' a national obsession is its origin from a viral true story. In 2022, Norma Risma, a woman in Serang City, exposed her husband and mother's affair in a TikTok video, which quickly garnered millions of views and brought her a movie deal.
Released in Indonesian theaters in March and on Netflix in August, 'Norma' has rapidly gained popularity not just in Indonesia but also in Malaysia and Singapore. Notably, the film follows a trend where Indonesian filmmakers adapt viral social media scandals, as seen with other hits like 'KKN di Desa Penari' and 'Sewu Dino.'
Despite the sensitive nature of its themes—adultery is a crime in Indonesia—the film offers a voyeuristic escape into household scandals that fascinate a conservative audience. As viewers flock to see it, they are allowed a glimpse into others' family dramas, reflecting a complex blend of curiosity and moral scrutiny concerning infidelity.
The protagonist, Norma, who was heavily involved in the scriptwriting process, shares her journey of overcoming the betrayal, providing a voice to other women who have faced similar situations. Today, she continues to share her life updates on social media, receiving overwhelming support and empathy from the Indonesian community, highlighting both the empowerment and the societal challenges women face in a patriarchal society.
