Netflix held a Press Conference and Gala Premiere for The Most Beautiful Girl in the World at Metropole XXI, Jakarta, on February 13, 2025, alongside the film’s cast and creators. This new original Indonesian film from director Robert Ronny will premiere today, February 14, 2025.
This romantic comedy tells the story of Reuben (Reza Rahadian), a playboy and the sole heir to his late father’s media empire. To inherit the fortune, he must fulfill his father’s last wish: to find “the most beautiful girl in the world” and marry her through a dating event. One day, Reuben ends up stranded on an island with Kiara, an ambitious and brave producer from his TV station, and they must work together to survive.
During the press conference, Robert Ronny, who also wrote the film alongside Titien Wattimena and Ifan Ismail, shared insights about his motivation for creating The Most Beautiful Girl in the World and the characters he chose.
“I wanted to tell a story about love in today’s world, which is much more complex than it used to be, where beauty standards have shifted and place unrealistic pressure on modern women,” Robert said. “Unfortunately, beauty and love are often linked, when in my opinion, they have nothing to do with each other. Love should not be measured by appearance.”
He continued, explaining how he designed the film’s story to feature two people from very different social classes who meet in a unique situation. “When all social boundaries are removed, they are actually two sides of the same coin,” he explained. “One is from a wealthy family, and the other is a struggling TV employee. They appear very different but share something in common. But they wouldn’t see that similarity if labels like status, family background, or achievements are still there, which in reality aren’t important in love. After being stranded on a deserted island, they can finally see each other as whole human beings, without social embellishments.”
Robert also expressed his appreciation for the actors involved in the film, mentioning them as one of the key attractions of The Most Beautiful Girl in the World, including Reza Rahadian and Sheila Dara Aisha. “I’ve been eagerly waiting for a romantic comedy to return to Indonesian cinema. So, one of the film’s appeals is the genre itself, as well as how the film is presented, which I believe is very cohesive, unique, valuable, and has depth in every scene and storyline,” Reza said.
Sheila shared what she found most endearing about the film: “I really enjoyed the interactions between all the characters, which added an interesting dynamic to the film. Each character felt like a fleshed-out human being.”
Set in the television industry, the film also features actors such as Jihane Almira Chedid, Dea Panendra, Bucek, Kevin Julio, and Ira Wibowo, who shared their experiences during the filming.
“I had to be believable as Kiara’s friend from high school, but from the first reading, I felt comfortable with Sheila and Mr. Robert,” Dea shared. “I’d say that because I acted more with Sheila, my favorite memory was when Sheila and I were having a conversation in the boarding house. I was eating martabak and managed to kick Sheila’s body; she accepted it with an open heart,” she added with laughter.
Jihane added that Helen, the character she played, has a brilliant personality and represents the current generation. “Many people idolize those who empower women, lead, and have high passion and drive. All of that is embodied in Helen,” she said.
As a romantic comedy, The Most Beautiful Girl in the World also tackles serious issues such as the meaning of love, the image of women, and the concept of beauty in the modern world.
Robert Ronny said, “The demands from media and social media on women are unrealistic; they must always look perfect. In a patriarchal culture, it is women who are always pressured, while there are no similar demands on men. I try to bring this heavy issue wrapped in a romantic comedy. I hope the audience will not only be entertained but also discuss these topics.”
Be sure not to miss the premiere of The Most Beautiful Girl in the World on February 14, only on Netflix.
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