`Andai Ia Tahu' (Wish He Knew) had a promising premise: Renata (Rachel Maryam) and Rio (Marcellius Siahaan) trapped in a stuck elevation. During the situation, they had an interesting interaction and unaware that they had builds an intense mutual attraction. After that, both of them realized that they just got crush. Considering that the only thing they know nothing but name, made them suddenly rushed in an urgent need to found the very existence of each other, just to prove that they really are meant to be one.
With an interesting prologue, we really could expect much more from the plot's development. Directorially, Indra Yudhistira probably had intentions of creating a memorable sweet romantic comedy in the tradition of Hollywood classic style (I just can get out that `Serendipity' out of my head!). Unfortunately, the film stumbles under a lot of unnecessary and dysfunctional situation, especially for a romantic comedy genre. Furthermore, the pace it self is to slow and the plot developing is stutter a lot and that made the story goes terribly wrong and awful. There's nothing romantic on it and we definitely couldn't finds any sparks to elevate our emotion to a higher level impression (like a romance film used to do). But, I must admit that this film is successfully made a dull comedy film.
On the casting department, Rachel Maryam does a decent job and proves that she's can act and she's here to stay! But the script made her suffering from a hangover from Dian Sastrowardoyo in `Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?' Her character even looks similar to what I thought about Dian Sastro in `Ada Apa Dengan Cinta?' Nevertheless, she looks very stunning and gorgeous. Singer Marcellius Siahaan looks try so hard to act, but his effort applauds worthy, considering this is his first performance as an actor. He does definitely need more time to improve his act more properly. The rest of the characters are bad and getting worse because played by the incapable and unconvincing actors. Eventually, all the characters have not enough current depth to make the believable and build the tension that needs.
Technically, the film is really needs to return to the editing room once again. The production design is simply a mess. The plot definitely needs a rewrite. Ultimately, `Andai Ia Tahu' is a film that lacks of many things required in a youthful romance. The vibe is unreachable and couldn't get those romantics expectation. Considering this is the first directorial debut for the director of course we could give apologizes but certainly we expect a lot of improvement for his next projects.
5/10
