Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts 2018

As the narrative unfolds, we find ourselves on the island of Sumba, where Marlina (played by) is still reeling from the loss of her husband. The tranquility of her grief is brutally disrupted when a band of seven marauders, led by the grizzled Markus, descend upon her home with sinister intentions. These opportunistic thugs demand sustenance in exchange for sparing Marlina’s livestock and dignity, but she seizes the opportunity to exact a measure of vengeance. With calculated precision, she poisons most of the attackers with chicken soup and decapitates their leader, Markus. As a symbol of his brutal nature, she also destroys his prized jungga instrument. The deathly silence that follows serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of their actions.

As Marlina navigates the aftermath of her ordeal, she embarks on a perilous journey aboard a local bus, where she encounters Novi, a pregnant woman bound for her jealous husband Umbu’s side. Along the way, they’re joined by an elderly woman bearing a dowry payment of two horses en route to her nephew’s wedding. However, this voyage is not without its perils, as two of the surviving robbers (including Franz) discover the grim fate that befell their comrades and begin to hunt Marlina down. The bus becomes a battleground, but Marlina manages to escape with one of the horses. Throughout her journey, she’s haunted by the specter of Markus’ headless apparition, its mournful playing of the jungga serving as a poignant reminder of her husband’s demise.

Eventually, Marlina finds herself at the local police station, where she recounts the events leading up to her self-defense and the heinous crimes committed against her. The authorities accept her report but are unable to proceed with an investigation due to lack of resources and equipment. Instead, they offer a paltry excuse, stating that they’ll need at least a month to obtain rape test kits. As Marlina navigates this bureaucratic labyrinth, she forms a bond with a young girl operating a local warung, finding solace in the warmth and humanity these interactions bring.

In the film’s climax, Novi finally reunites with Umbu, only to be met with his violent jealousy and rejection. Seeking refuge, she stumbles upon Franz, who threatens her into luring Marlina back to her husband’s house. The three converge, and Novi’s labor begins in earnest. As she contemplates taking matters into her own hands, she takes pity on Franz instead. This decision proves to be a turning point, as it sets the stage for a violent confrontation that ultimately results in the decapitation of Franz at the hands of Novi. In the aftermath, Novi gives birth, and Marlina, having exacted a measure of revenge, departs with her new companion, leaving the dark legacy of the past behind.