Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan (Wife from the Future) is a big screen production that successfully stirs the audience’s emotions in a sweet and magical way. Directed by Yandy Lauren, this movie is adapted from the popular 2017 web series of the same title. Even though it’s almost two hours long—1 hour and 59 minutes to be exact—don’t rush to assume that this movie will be boring. The length is well worth it thanks to the heartwarming story, beautiful visuals, and emotional atmosphere that lingers until the end credits roll.
Produced from March 2024 to February 2025, filming took place in three visually stunning locations: Croatia, Finland, and Indonesia. This combination of settings makes each scene look like a living postcard. Upon its release on July 10, 2025, Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan immediately hit the Indonesian box office, reaching 2.8 million viewers on its 28th day of release. This made Sore the 6th highest-grossing Indonesian movie of the year. It has a rating of 8.6/10 on IMDb from 1,400 domestic viewers. So, what is the secret behind the charm of this movie?
The Touching and Well-Structured Story of Sore
Sore: Wife from the Future invites us into the world of Jonathan (Dion Wiyoko), an Indonesian photographer living in Croatia. Jonathan’s quiet and orderly life is suddenly shaken when Sore (Sheila Dara) appears, a mysterious woman who claims to be his wife from the future. This claim naturally makes Jonathan doubtful, even skeptical. However, slowly but surely, Sore’s attention, patience, and genuine love begin to soften his heart. Sore is not only there to love him but also to help Jonathan break free from his bad habits and live a healthier life.
The story is wrapped in a time-looping concept divided into three acts: Jonathan | Sore | Time. This structure makes it easier for viewers to follow the journey, which is actually quite complex. Each act focuses on different aspects, providing space to understand the motivations and conflicts of each character. For viewers who have watched the series version on YouTube, there may be an expectation that the plot will be the same. But Yandy Lauren provides a massive “level up”—the story is more mature, the conflicts are deeper, and the emotional impact is stronger.
Read also: Understanding Blake Snyder’s 3-Act Structure in Save The Cat.
Captivating Mise en Scene and Music
One of the main strengths of this movie lies in its harmonious blend of visuals and music. Dimas Bagus Triatma Yoga as Director of Photography and Dita Gambiro as Production Designer and Art Director successfully created a consistently beautiful mise en scène from beginning to end. The lighting, color selection, and set details make this movie not only enjoyable to watch, but also a feast for the eyes of cinema enthusiasts.
Not only that, the music selection deserves praise. Adhitia Sofyan’s songs like “Forget Jakarta” and “Gaze,” as well as Barasuara’s works like “Pancarona” and “Terbuang dalam Waktu,” add emotional depth to every scene. The music isn’t just background noise; it’s part of the story—driving the audience’s emotions to immerse themselves in Jonathan and Sore’s journey.
Captivating Chemistry
For fans of the series, Tika Bravani may already be etched as the iconic figure of Sore. However, the choice of Sheila Dara for the big-screen version proved to be a smart one. Sheila doesn’t try to be Tika but builds her own interpretation—bringing the character of Sore in a fresh, sweet, and enchanting direction. The character she portrays feels supportive of the new plot, which is indeed different from the series version.
Dion Wiyoko, who reprises his role as Jonathan, also delivers an outstanding performance. His character is portrayed with emotionally compelling detail, especially in the moments when Jonathan comes to terms with his past. The addition of Croatian actors like Goran Bogdan (Karlo), Lara Nekic (Elsa), and Livio Badurina (Marko) adds an international flair that enriches the story.
A Lasting Message
Despite containing fantasy elements in the form of time looping, this movie still has its feet firmly planted in reality. The message it conveys is very down to earth: there are things that cannot be changed, such as the past, death, and pain. As Marko says in the movie, “People change not because of fear, but because they are loved.” This message reminds the audience that life does not always give us second chances, so the most important thing is to live and love wholeheartedly in the present.
The Complexity of Time Looping Requires Patience
The beauty of Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan does not mean it is flawless. The concept of repetitive time looping can be a double-edged sword—on the one hand, it adds depth to the story, but on the other hand, it risks boring the audience if they do not follow it patiently. This movie does require extra patience, or as they say, “as patient as Sore.” But for viewers who are willing to stick with it, the reward at the end of the story will be satisfying.
A Cinematic Love Letter Worth Watching
Sore: Istri dari Masa Depan is Yandy Lauren’s “love letter” to the audience and the Indonesian film industry. It is not only a sweet romance story, but also a reminder of the importance of love in the midst of time constraints. With indulgent visuals, inspiring music, solid acting, and a memorable message, this movie deserves to be on the watch list of anyone looking for a story full of meaning.
So, if you want to watch a movie that can make you smile, ponder, and maybe even shed a few tears, this movie is recommended for you! So, what do you think of the movie Sore?
