Na Willa Review (7.8/10): A Surabaya Alley Full of Childhood Magic

This Na Willa review starts with a simple promise: the film wants you to feel like a kid again. Ryan Adriandhy directs and writes this Indonesian drama, set in a Surabaya alley that looks tiny to adults and enormous to a six-year-old. It arrives on 18 March 2026 with a runtime of 118 minutes.

Na Willa Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Na Willa plot is built around one child's point of view. Na Willa, played by Luisa Adreena, treats her narrow alley as a magical haven, full of friends, games and wild imagination. Home is there too, with her parents Marie (Mak) and Paul (Pak).

Then the film introduces its quiet tension. Her close friends begin to drift away, and her world starts to feel smaller than it did before. The story is less about big events than about the first small ache of change.

That gentle setup is the whole appeal. Nothing here is rushed, and the film trusts you to care about a child's everyday worries. If you like family movie reviews with real feeling, this is squarely in that territory.

What Works in Na Willa

The biggest strength is perspective. The film sees the world through Na Willa's eyes, so ordinary spaces feel bright, curious and full of possibility. Early audience reactions highlight exactly this, describing a comforting, nostalgic escape from adult life.

The tone also deserves credit. According to one viewer, this is not a drama that tries to force tears. It lets innocence and humour sit beside the sadness, which makes the sadder moments feel earned rather than pushed.

The Surabaya setting gives the film a specific identity. A single alley becomes a full community, and that sense of place makes the theme of a shrinking world land harder.

• A child's-eye view that feels sincere rather than cute

• A clear sense of place in Surabaya

• A warm, nostalgic mood that fits the tagline "Be a kid again"

Na Willa Cast and Performances

The Na Willa cast is led by Luisa Adreena in the title role. A film like this lives or dies on its young lead, and the whole story depends on her making Na Willa curious, stubborn and lovable.

Freya Mikhayla plays Farida, Arsenio Rafisqy plays Bud, and Azamy Syauqi plays Dul. These are the friends whose drifting apart gives the film its emotional pull. Irma Rihi and Junior Liem play Na Willa's parents, Marie (Mak) and Paul (Pak), adding a grounded family presence.

I can only speak to the film's design here, not to any published critics' verdicts, since I found no critic reviews. Audience scores, though, are warm, with TMDB users giving it 7.8/10 from a small number of votes.

Where Na Willa Stumbles

A story this small will not suit everyone. If you want sharp plot twists or constant momentum, a quiet childhood drama at 118 minutes may feel slow. The stakes are emotional, not dramatic.

It also leans heavily on nostalgia. Viewers who do not connect with the idea of a magical childhood world may find the mood gentle to the point of mild. And the evidence for its reception is thin: the ratings so far come from a handful of users, so treat them as an early signal, not a verdict.

Is Na Willa Worth Watching?

Yes, if you are in the mood for a tender, character-led story. Early audience response is warm, and the premise is focused enough to deliver real feeling without needing spectacle.

It is a good fit for a quiet evening, especially with family. Fans of drama movie reviews will find a sincere example of the form, and anyone who has watched friendships change will recognise Na Willa's worries.

For background on the production, the Na Willa page on TMDB lists details and audience ratings. For a related Indonesian family-flavoured watch, see our take on Tunggu Aku Sukses Nanti.

Who Will Enjoy Na Willa

• Viewers who like gentle, nostalgic coming-of-age stories told from a child's view

• Families looking for a heartfelt Indonesian film to share

• Fans of Ryan Adriandhy who want to see his writing and directing in a live-action drama