“Promised Hearts” – A Netflix Melodrama from Indonesia with a Television Style

March 31, 2025 6:13 AM EDT
Promised Hearts - Netflix
Promised Hearts - Netflix

If you enjoy television melodramas, love stories, and sentimental tales, Netflix brings us “Promised Hearts,” a story designed to move the most sensitive audiences and those who love romantic stories and impossible loves.

Plot

Directed by Anggy Umbara, this film delves into the life of Niyala, a young woman who has just fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor. However, her life takes a tumultuous turn when her father arranges her marriage to Roger, the son of the wealthiest businessman in her town, as a means to settle the family’s debts. This unexpected twist forces Niyala to confront the complexities of love and duty, especially when she has to deal with the reality that Faiq, the man she has loved since childhood, is going to marry someone else.

Promised Hearts
Promised Hearts

About the Film

“Promised Hearts” is a poignant exploration of personal sacrifice and social expectations, set against the vibrant cultural landscape of Indonesia. The film’s narrative is enriched by the performances of Beby Tsabina as Niyala, Deva Mahenra as Faiq, and Dito Darmawan as Roger.

Our Opinion

“Promised Hearts” is clearly created to appeal to audiences who enjoy melodramas, especially those with a television style: it is not a story with great character development, nor does it confront us with complex psychologies or surprises. The story revolves around the protagonists’ weddings and whether the love they feel can ultimately prevail despite conventions and family customs. Yes, a plot that is all too familiar, too worn-out to surprise us, but it continues to find success and repeats itself year after year. And there’s a reason for that, so the audience is almost guaranteed.

It has a touch of thriller, albeit very small, because the narrative focuses mainly on the protagonist’s feelings and family relationships. Are you looking for a film that will change your perception of space-time as we know it? “Promised Hearts” is not that film, but it is an entertaining melodrama especially designed for lovers of the genre.

Where to Watch “Promised Hearts”

Netflix

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