The Gathering! 2

This film is about a group of high achieving friends in Jakarta who discovers something sinister is going on with one of them who goes off to seek a quiet life.

I have not watched "Arisan" so initially it was hard to follow the huge number of main characters. It is not helped by the inadequate introduction to the characters in "Arisan! 2" . The first half of the film is a good look into the socialite world in Jakarta, full of vanity and superficiality. Life is about the pursuit of beauty, wealth and of course relentless gossip. In the second half, we get to see why Meimei goes off to a tranquil island, searching for a higher purpose in life. This life is a big contrast to the socialite life portrayed earlier, but it seems more fulfilling, authentic and satisfying. Through a reunion (what Arisan means), the friends revisits what is important to them.

I can see that the filmmakers tried hard to make the film good. The sets are nice, the costumes are glamorous and the scenery of Gili island is amazing. The only thing to improve is the pacing, I think it can be sped up a little. Overall, "Arisan! 2" gives you food for thought as to what friendship is about.