Review

In a tradition passed down through generations, a stage is set an arena where cheers erupt, and wagers are placed. It is a space that calls upon human ego, where the louder the crowd roars, the higher the stakes rise. Such is the world presented in the film Sabung Raptor.

Differences in perspective often become the source of profound and persistent conflict. In many societies, the rejection of difference has been passed down through generations producing cycles of discrimination, injustice, and, at times, violence. When one group feels threatened by the presence of another, the common response tends to be rejection and marginalization, leading ultimately to protracted conflict.

As times evolve, so do the demands of life, becoming more complex with each passing day. People are often forced to adapt quickly, pushed out of their comfort zones. Sometimes they are disturbed, even commanded to run just to keep up with the pace of the world. Some choose to adapt, while others prefer to stay still, wrapped comfortably in their familiar routines. These are all choices neither right nor wrong. Life often presents us with choices, just like what is depicted in the film Spiral.

The family is often seen as the safest place to return to when life becomes overwhelming a space where we are accepted unconditionally. Yet, a lack of mutual understanding and honesty among family members can slowly erode that sense of safety, breaking down trust and giving rise to lingering, unresolved conflicts. This delicate tension is at the heart of Meja Makan (The Dining Table), a short film that quietly explores the inner dynamics of a family composed of a father, a mother, and their child.