Ben & Jody (2022)

Ben & Jody (2022) – A Movie That Falls Short of Its Potential

Rating: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2/5)

Overview

Ben & Jody (2022), directed by Angga Dwimas Sasongko, is an action-packed drama that attempts to blend social commentary with high-octane fight sequences. As a spin-off of Filosofi Kopi, the film shifts away from its predecessor’s contemplative tone about coffee and philosophy into a rugged tale of resistance against exploitation. While the movie succeeds in portraying the struggles of villagers against corporate greed, it ultimately falters in character development, narrative coherence, and believability.

Strengths

One of the strongest aspects of Ben & Jody is its depiction of modern exploitation in rural Indonesia. The film sheds light on the struggles of villagers facing land grabs and corporate oppression, an issue that remains relevant globally. The cinematography effectively captures the essence of village life, giving the story a grounded feel—at least in the beginning.

Additionally, the action sequences choreographed by the legendary Yayan Ruhian (The Raid, John Wick 3) stand out. His fight scenes bring a level of intensity and authenticity that action fans will appreciate. The raw, well-executed hand-to-hand combat moments are among the few highlights of the film.

Weaknesses

Unfortunately, Ben & Jody stumbles in multiple areas:

1. Lack of Character Development
   The movie fails to flesh out the relationship between Ben and Jody. While Filosofi Kopi gave us an emotional connection to these characters, this film rushes past their bond, leaving viewers without enough context to care deeply about their journey. Without proper character depth, their transformation into action heroes feels forced and unconvincing.
2. Weak and Unbelievable Antagonists
   The villains in Ben & Jody feel more like caricatures than actual threats. They lack intelligence and menace, making it hard to believe they could orchestrate something as complex as arranged kidnappings. Their half-witted nature diminishes the tension and makes the stakes feel artificial.
3. Jarring Story Progression
   The first half of the film builds an intriguing premise, but once the characters reach the village, the narrative takes a nosedive. What starts as a compelling drama turns into a cliché action flick, filled with over-the-top sequences that feel out of place. The movie’s attempt to balance realism with action fails, making it hard to stay invested.
4. Unrealistic Action Tropes
   The film falls into the same trap as many 2020s action movies: an over-reliance on improbable heroism. The climax—where a group of unarmed women and a young boy suddenly defeat trained, armed thugs using arrows and martial arts—feels laughably forced. And if Ben and Jody could fight this well all along, why didn’t they just escape earlier? The script leaves too many logical gaps that weaken the story’s credibility.

Final Thoughts

While Ben & Jody had the potential to be an impactful action-drama with a strong social message, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. The lack of character depth, underwhelming villains, and unrealistic action sequences drag down an otherwise intriguing premise. The film does manage to deliver some solid fight choreography thanks to Yayan Ruhian, but beyond that, it struggles to leave a lasting impression.

Verdict: Worth a watch for action fans, but don’t expect a compelling or well-developed story.