Dear Nathan Explained

Dear Nathan
Director:Indra Gunawan
Producer:Gope T. Samtani
Screenplay:Bagus Bramanti
Gea Rexy
Starring:
Music:Andhika Triyadi
Cinematography:Ivan Anwal Pane
Editing:Ryan Purwoko
Studio:Rapi Films
Runtime:99 minutes
Country:Indonesia
Language:Indonesian
Gross:Rp26 billion

Dear Nathan is an Indonesian coming of age romantic drama film which was released on 23 March 2017 and directed by Indra Gunawan. It stars Amanda Rawles and Jefri Nichol. Adapted from the novel of the same name by Erisca Febriani. The film was followed by sequels (2018) and (2022).

Plot

Salma is a student who just transferred to Garuda High School. Salma, who is known as a disciplined student, was late for school on her first day. This incident made her acquainted with Nathan, a student who is known to be naughty, delinquent, and likes to fight.

At first, Salma, who was quite selective in making friends, chose to stay away from Nathan. But Nathan openly showed his attitude that he liked Salma and did various things to be with Salma.

Seeing all the things Nathan did, Salma's heart, which was initially indifferent, slowly melts. In addition, Nathan and Salma often met on various occasions. Gradually, Salma, who is known as a diligent and active student in the organization, falls in love with Nathan, who has a very opposite personality to her.

Salma started trying to change Nathan for the better. For Salma's sake, Nathan was determined to change his bad character and behavior. They started going through high school courtship.

However, Salma and Nathan's relationship also faces many problems, from Nathan's ex-girlfriend who still loves him, his past, and his family problems. Their relationship was marked by an on and off events, until one day Salma was really determined to leave Nathan after catching him with his ex-girlfriend at home.

Besides his troubled relationship with Salma, his mother had a mental disorder since Nathan's twin brother, Daniel, died in a fight involving Nathan several years ago. In fact, Daniel was their mother's favorite child because he was a good and obedient child.

Since then, his mother had to be treated in a mental hospital. Every time Nathan came to visit, his mother always thought that Nathan was Daniel. Even though he was sad, Nathan still pretended to be Daniel so he could still meet his mother, because his mother really hated Nathan, who she thought was the reason why Daniel was killed.

On the other hand, Nathan's father chose to leave their family and remarry another woman. With all these problems, Nathan gets worse. He even chose to leave home and skip school for days.

Salma, who later found out about all these things, understood the things that made Nathan often behave badly at school. In the end, Salma, who still loves Nathan, tries to help Nathan deal with his difficult times.

With Salma's support, Nathan tries to change the bad relationship he has with his family so far. Nathan also tries to make peace with his past and feelings of guilt towards his mother and twin. After going through all that, Nathan and Salma finally tried to come back and accept each other.[1]

Release

Dear Nathan was theatrically released in Indonesia on 23 March 2017.[2] The film's trailer premiered on 7 January 2017.[3] The film was also released through the streaming service Netflix in selected countries on 3 September 2020.[4]

Accolades

DateAwardCategoryRecipientResult
2017Bandung Film Festival Commendable ActorJefri Nichol
Maya AwardsBest New Actor

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Review & Sinopsis Dear Nathan, Manisnya Cinta Masa SMA. Sulistiyani. Sri. Bacaterus. 17 August 2023. id.
  2. Web site: Daftar Bioskop yang Menayangkan Film Dear Nathan Serta Jadwalnya. 23 March 2017. 17 August 2023. id. BookMyShow Indonesia.
  3. Web site: Belajar Gombal ala Jefri Nichol ke Amanda Rawles di Trailer Film Dear Nathan. 22 February 2017. 17 August 2023. id. BookMyShow Indonesia.
  4. Web site: 9 Film Indonesia di Netflix Ramaikan September 2020. Christy. Verren. kincir.com. 1 September 2020. 17 August 2023. id.