Spoilers like to do the crouching tiger.

Sometimes I like to walk into a theatre not knowing what I’m going to see. Okey, to be honest I only do this during Fantasia where I know an interesting film awaits. I knew the general premise of what I was walking into, but I had no idea how much heart was in it. You will be in for a bit of a ride, and there will be a lot of spiritual lore coming your way but it is narrated in a way that feels both familiar, sensible and a lot of times, rather amusing. Strap in.

Levitating (2026) is directed by Wregas Bhanuteja who wrote it with Alicia Angelina and Defi Mahendra. Bayu (Angga Aldi Yunanda) needs all the help he can get. He’s competing to be the top spirit channeler of the tiny Latas village. For this he has managed to befriend Lakshmi (Maudy Ayunda) and must now follow the teachings of the Guru Asri (Anggun) as they try to perform for the public and raise money to prevent the real state developer from bulldozing half the properties to build hotels. Unfortunately, his father is convinced they must sell the house and move back to Jakarta. Now Bayu must do the impossible and reconcile his past and present to focus on finding his spirit animal to win the competition.

The dreams and the hopes of one young man constantly interrupted by the harsh truths of life and the judgement of relatives are something that should be akin to most people. This is a different reality that most city dwellers can imagine, where fantasy and tradition mix and the bright lights of the city hold no sway. It’s an idealistic, impossible but colourful struggle in which the indigenous life in the country must fight to survive. And you can’t help but cheer for them every step of the way – even when you must drag yourself on the ground.

Recommended for an open mind but with rather humorous take on life where tradition clashes with modernism. Even the most callous of hearts will accept there’s heart and tears to be shared in a community where the old tales are still true. Worth a watch for open minded and open hearted audiences.

That will do for now.