Better Off Dead () is a 2025 Indonesian cringe comedy film directed by Kristo Immanuel in his directorial debut from a screenplay he wrote with Jessica Tjiu. The film stars Omara Esteghlal as Gema, an awkward young man.
It was released in Indonesian theatres on 14 August 2025. It received two nominations at the 2025 Indonesian Film Festival, including Best Original Screenplay for Immanuel and Tjiu.
Premise Gema, an awkward young man, begins to receive attention from his co-workers after the death of his estranged father. He goes to great lengths to keep their attention.
Cast Omara Esteghlal as Gema Jared Ali as little Gema Mawar de Jongh as Kerin Mario Caesar as Danu Muhadkly Acho as Cokro Ardit Erwandha as Ilham Shindy Huang as Adriana Nada Novia as Naya Nirina Zubir as Ayu, Gema's mother Gilbert Pattiruhu as Gema's father Yono Bakrie as careless truck driver
Lutesha, Aurora Ribero, Jerome Kurnia, Jourdy Pranata, Prilly Latuconsina, and Tissa Biani appear as "people in afterlife".
Production In March 2025, producer Ernest Prakasa announced the project during the presentation of Imajinari Pictures' film slate at the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market. In an interview with Kompas, Immanuel described the film as a "love letter for people with neurodiversity". He further explained that the use of the "breaking the fourth wall" concept in the film represented self-talk, which is commonly seen in neurodivergent individuals. In May 2025, it was reported that Barunson E&A would handle the film's international remake rights, along with other Imajinari films.
Principal photography began in February 2025.
Music In addition to her role as Kerin in the film, Mawar de Jongh released the film's theme song titled "Tinggal" on 4 June 2025. The song was written by her along with Immanuel, Rizki Maulana Hidayat, and Tarrarin.
Release Better Off Dead was released in Indonesian theatres on 14 August 2025. It garnered 21,307 admissions on its first day of release and 184,960 admissions throughout its theatrical run. It competed for the Indonesian Screen Awards at the 20th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival, where it won the Best Film and four other awards. It will have its European premiere at the CinemAsia Film Festival in April 2026.
Accolades Award / Film Festival Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Festival Film Bandung31 October 2025 Highly Commended Leading Actor Omara Esteghlal Highly Commended ScreenplayKristo Immanuel and Jessica Tjiu Indonesian Film Festival20 November 2025 Best Original Screenplay Best Sound Syaifullah Praditya Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival6 December 2025 Indonesian Screen Award for Best FilmKristo Immanuel Indonesian Screen Award for Best Directing Indonesian Screen Award for Best Performance Omara Esteghlal Indonesian Screen Award for Best Editing Ryan Purwoko Indonesian Screen Award for Best Screenplay Kristo Immanuel and Jessica Tjiu
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