Viral Drama “Norma” Captivates Indonesia with True Affair Story

A film based on a scandalous true story has taken Indonesia by storm, igniting conversations across the nation. Titled Norma, the movie portrays the turbulent events surrounding a man’s affair with his mother-in-law, a plot that resonates deeply with Indonesian audiences. The narrative is grounded in the real-life experience of Norma Risma, who gained notoriety in 2022 after revealing her husband’s infidelity in a viral TikTok video.

The TikTok revelation quickly garnered millions of views, leading to widespread media coverage and ultimately a film adaptation that has captivated not only Indonesian viewers but also audiences in neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore. Released in Indonesian theaters in March 2023 and made available on Netflix in August 2023, Norma has become one of the most-watched films in the region, following a trend of filmmakers adapting viral social media stories into cinematic experiences.

Emerging Trend in Indonesian Cinema

This phenomenon of transforming viral tales into films is not new in Indonesia. The highest-grossing film prior to Norma was KKN di Desa Penari, a horror film based on a popular thread from X, formerly known as Twitter. Similarly, Sewu Dino, another horror film released in 2023, also drew inspiration from a widely shared story on the same platform. The rise of films like Ipar Adalah Maut, depicting an affair between a man and his sister-in-law, underscores the market’s appetite for sensational narratives, particularly those derived from social media.

These stories tap into a cultural curiosity surrounding household disputes, especially in a society where adultery is heavily stigmatized and punishable under Indonesia’s new criminal code. This legislation, set to take effect nationwide in 2024, criminalizes sex outside of marriage, reflecting the country’s conservative values. Yet, the allure of scandal persists, as stories of betrayal have transitioned from private discussions to viral sensations.

Experts, including SM Gietty Tambunan of the Jakarta Arts Council Film Committee, suggest that these films provide audiences with a voyeuristic glimpse into the complexities of marital relationships. “With films about these scandals, people are given a space to peek into someone else’s household problems,” she noted, highlighting the paradox of curiosity in a conservative culture.

The Impact of “Norma” on Society

The film resonates strongly with viewers like Vero, a housewife from Jakarta, who has passionately followed Norma’s journey. “When I knew this story was being made into a movie, I wanted to see how cruel these two people were to Norma,” she expressed, reflecting the emotional engagement that the film elicits. The dramatic climax, where Norma confronts her husband and mother, has left audiences in tears, reinforcing the film’s emotional weight.

Despite its entertainment value, Norma raises critical questions about gender dynamics in narratives of infidelity. Critics caution that these stories often place excessive blame on women while allowing men to evade accountability. “In these feuds between the legitimate spouse and the illicit lover, the man tends not to receive any punishment,” Ms. Gietty remarked, prompting discussions about the portrayal of relationships in popular media.

The film’s screenwriter, Oka Aurora, emphasizes the collaboration with Norma throughout the creative process. This involvement ensures that the film remains authentic while also dramatizing certain moments for emotional impact. “This film is also a way for people to release emotions and have fun,” Oka stated, underscoring the dual purpose of entertainment and catharsis.

Today, Norma has transitioned into a new chapter of her life, working as an outsourced employee in her hometown of Serang. Her mother, Rihanah, has returned home after serving an eight-month prison sentence for adultery, while her ex-husband Rozy has been sentenced to nine months in jail. Norma has expressed gratitude for the support she has received from others who have faced similar situations, stating, “When I spoke up, many people had experienced the same thing.”

As Oka Aurora points out, the film serves as a platform for women to voice their experiences with infidelity and violence in a patriarchal society. “This is a small step for women to speak out,” she remarked, emphasizing the film’s potential for societal impact.

While Norma has declined media interviews, she remains active on social media, sharing updates and receiving overwhelming support from fellow Indonesians. Her posts continue to inspire conversations about resilience and empowerment, with comments like, “You deserve the world,” resonating with audiences who have followed her journey closely.