Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts 2018
Directed by
Mouly Surya
Made by
Icarus Films
Plot Summary
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (2018). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
In The Robbery, the film unfolds on the beautiful island of Sumba, where we meet Marlina, who is enveloped in sorrow over her deceased husband. The tranquility of her life is shattered when a band of seven men, led by the elder Markus, storms her home with malicious intent to rob her of her livestock and violate her. As they demand a meal, Marlina seizes the moment to poison the opportunistic intruders with her chicken soup, ending most of their lives and decisively decapitating Markus. In a symbolic act of defiance, she incinerates Markus’s treasured musical instrument, the jungga.
Transitioning into The Journey, Marlina boards a local bus where she meets the expectant Novi, who is desperate to find her envious husband Umbu before she gives birth. Their bus trip is further enriched by the presence of an elderly woman carrying two horses as a dowry for her nephew’s wedding. However, danger looms as two of the surviving robbers, including Franz, discover the aftermath of the robbery and pursue them. In a tense confrontation, the robbers commandeer the bus, only for Marlina to make a daring escape with one of the horses. Amidst her flight, she is haunted by apparitions—namely, the ghost of Markus, who plays the haunting jungga.
In the gripping The Confession segment, Marlina arrives at the local police station to report the harrowing incident of robbery, attempted rape, and her ensuing act of self-defense. Though the police acknowledge her report, they inform her that legal action will be delayed for a month due to the lack of funding for essential rape test equipment, leaving Marlina to reflect on her trauma while forming a bond with a local girl in a nearby warung.
The narrative climaxes in The Birth, where Novi finally locates Umbu, only to be violently confronted; he believes her breech pregnancy signifies infidelity. He cruelly abandons her, allowing Franz to find her and manipulate her into drawing Marlina back. The tensions mount as the three converge back at Marlina’s house. In an unexpected turn of events, Novi’s labor begins amidst the chaos. Torn between vengeance and compassion, she grapples with the option of killing Franz but ultimately shows him mercy. To cement his control, Franz horrifically reunites Markus’s severed head with his body, placing it near Marlina’s mummified spouse. As Novi prepares chicken soup under duress, tragedy strikes again when Franz assaults Marlina before being decapitated by Novi during childbirth. Together, Marlina and Novi depart at dawn with the newborn, symbolizing a new beginning amidst the remnants of their past traumas.
Timeline
Follow the complete movie timeline of Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (2018) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Marlina's Mourning
The film opens on the island of Sumba, where we see Marlina deeply grieving for her deceased husband. Her tranquil life is dashed as her sorrow envelops her, creating a somber backdrop for the events to unfold.
The Intruders Arrive
A band of seven men, led by the elder Markus, invades Marlina's home with malicious intent. They demand her livestock and aim to inflict harm on her, shattering the peace of her life.
The Poisoning
In a swift moment of desperation, Marlina decides to poison the intruders with her chicken soup. This act of cunning leads to the demise of many of the men, and she takes decisive action by decapitating Markus.
Incinerating the Jungga
After defeating the intruders, Marlina symbolically burns Markus's precious jungga, a musical instrument he valued. This act represents her defiance and a step towards reclaiming her freedom.
The Journey Begins
Marlina boards a local bus, setting off on a journey away from the violence of her home. On her way, she encounters Novi, a pregnant woman seeking her husband, adding depth to her quest.
The Unexpected Passengers
The bus ride becomes eventful as they meet an elderly woman carrying horses for a wedding dowry. Their interactions hint at various life paths that are influenced by the roles of women in their society.
Robbers on the Hunt
As Marlina and the other passengers journey, two surviving robbers discover the aftermath of the robbery. Their pursuit sets off a chain of events that heightens the tension on the bus.
Bus Confrontation
The situation escalates when the robbers commandeer the bus, threatening the lives of the passengers. Marlina, however, uses this chaos to make a daring escape with one of the horses.
Visions of the Past
While fleeing, Marlina starts to experience haunting visions of Markus, who appears as a ghost playing the jungga. These apparitions symbolize her unresolved traumas and the lingering impact of violence.
Reporting to the Police
Marlina arrives at the local police station to report the robbery and her act of self-defense. Despite her bravery, she faces bureaucratic obstacles, as authorities inform her that legal assistance will be delayed.
Forming Friendships
While reflecting on her trauma in the warung, Marlina forms a connection with a local girl. This bond becomes significant as it highlights the importance of community support in the face of adversity.
Novi's Struggles
Novi finally tracks down her husband Umbu, only to face violence as he accuses her of infidelity due to her breech pregnancy. This encounter reveals the harsh realities of relationships clouded by suspicion and mistrust.
Chaos at Marlina's Home
The tension escalates as Franz finds Novi and manipulates her into luring Marlina back. With tempers flaring, their fates intertwine at Marlina's home, where the past and present collide.
Tragic Reunion
As chaos ensues, Novi goes into labor amidst the violence, complicating the situation further. Torn between vengeance and compassion, Marlina considers killing Franz but ultimately shows mercy.
A New Beginning
In a final dramatic confrontation, Novi decapitates Franz during childbirth and together, Marlina and Novi leave at dawn with the newborn. This moment symbolizes hope and renewal as they turn away from their traumatic pasts.
Characters
Explore all characters from Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (2018). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Marlina
Marlina is a deeply resilient character who evolves from a grieving widow to a fierce protector of her dignity and life. Faced with unimaginable violence, her courage in seeking justice and resolving her trauma is a significant aspect of her character journey. Marlina embodies the strength of women confronting oppression, making her a powerful figure in the narrative.
Novi
Novi is portrayed as an expectant mother navigating both love and abandonment. Her character adds a layer of vulnerability and depth to the narrative, as she faces her struggles while forming an alliance with Marlina. Through her experiences, Novi exemplifies themes of motherhood and the quest for identity amid chaos.
Markus
Markus serves as both an antagonist and a symbol of lost love in the film. His premature death at the hands of Marlina catalyzes the narrative's exploration of vengeance and remorse. Despite his violent actions, his presence lingers through Marlina's memories, complicating her journey towards healing.
Franz
Franz embodies the raw brutality of the robbers and represents the ongoing cycle of violence that plagues Marlina's life. His manipulative nature escalates the tension within the story, creating a sinister presence that challenges both Marlina and Novi. His actions ultimately lead to critical turning points in the narrative.
Setting
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Location
Sumba
The film is set on the picturesque island of Sumba, known for its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage. It's a place where traditional customs are deeply woven into daily life, making it the perfect backdrop for the emotional and dramatic unfolding of Marlina's story. The island's serene beauty contrasts sharply with the turmoil that Marlina faces.
Themes
Discover the main themes in Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts (2018). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Vengeance
The theme of vengeance is central to Marlina's journey as she transforms from a victim to an avenger. After the brutal invasion of her home, her act of self-defense leads to a profound contemplation of justice and morality. Ultimately, the story explores whether vengeance can lead to healing or if it perpetuates a cycle of violence.
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Motherhood
Motherhood is poignantly represented through the character of Novi, as her journey of impending childbirth intersects with themes of survival and resilience. The bond between Marlina and Novi highlights the strength of maternal instincts, particularly in dire circumstances. Their shared experiences redefine their roles as caretakers within the backdrop of chaos.
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Trauma
Trauma permeates Marlina's life, manifesting in both physical and psychological forms. As she confronts her past experiences, the ghost of her deceased husband symbolizes the lingering effects of violence and loss. The film delicately portrays how trauma can shape one’s identity and decisions, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of recovery and resilience.
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