Article last updated: May 2026
Many viewers described the film as a "feel-good, charming, romantic, and therapeutic" experience. It is considered a strong addition to Ika Natassa's book-to-screen adaptations.
Film Review: The Architecture of Love by Teddy Soeriaatmandja ngefilm21pwthearchitectureoflove2024web exclusive
At its core, The Architecture of Love is built on the solid foundation of Ika Natassa’s bestselling 2016 novel of the same name. Natassa, a giant in Indonesian literature known for her sharp dialogue and deeply relatable characters, provided the blueprint for this adaptation. The task of translating the beloved prose to the screen fell to the combined talents of screenwriter Alim Sudio and director Teddy Soeriaatmadja.
Directed by the seasoned filmmaker Teddy Soeriaatmadja and adapted from the 2016 bestselling novel by Ika Natassa, The Architecture of Love is a standout piece of modern Indonesian romantic cinema. The narrative centers on two deeply traumatized souls who find a spark of healing amidst the sprawling, concrete landscape of New York City. Article last updated: May 2026 Many viewers described
Whether you stumble upon it via the "Ngefilm21PW" keyword or find it in a legal cinema, the movie’s message remains universal: the architecture of love is often messy, sometimes ugly, but ultimately, it is the most resilient structure we will ever build.
Some viewers found the plot predictable or felt it suffered from typical romantic novel cliches. Natassa, a giant in Indonesian literature known for
: While wandering through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, she crosses paths with River Jusuf (Nicholas Saputra), a quiet, enigmatic architect who is also hiding in New York to escape a haunting tragedy from his past.
Some reviewers from major Western rating aggregates found the film to be a "simple meet-cute story" that wastes the talent of its cast on predictable tropes. A review on IMDb described the plot as "straightforward and predictable," leaning heavily on the familiar themes of wealthy families and young executives that often populate Indonesian romance novels.
The pairing of Nicholas Saputra and Putri Marino brought together two of Indonesia’s finest dramatic actors. Their understated, realistic performances gave the characters a profound sense of gravity.