20th September 2025 – (Jakarta) A film depicting a deeply taboo affair between a man and his mother-in-law has become a nationwide obsession in Indonesia and a streaming sensation across Southeast Asia. The movie, titled Norma, is based on a shocking true story that first erupted on social media in 2022.
The scandal began when Norma Risma, a woman from Serang City on Java island, exposed her husband’s affair with her own mother in a viral TikTok video. Her story garnered millions of views and headlines, ultimately securing a movie deal. Since its theatrical release in March and its arrival on Netflix in August, the film has dominated viewership charts not only in Indonesia but also in Malaysia and Singapore.
Norma follows a successful formula for Indonesian filmmakers: adapting viral social media scandals for the big screen. This trend includes the country’s previous highest-grossing film, a horror story sourced from a popular social media thread, and other successful productions inspired by salacious TikTok tales of infidelity. The theme of betrayal resonates in a country where adultery is a criminal offence, set to be further outlawed under a new national criminal code next year.
Despite this culture of religious conservatism, experts note a thriving voyeuristic interest in domestic scandals. Social media has amplified what was once private neighbourhood gossip into viral public content. A member of the Jakarta Arts Council Film Committee observed that such films provide a space for people to peek into others’ household problems, with conservative culture fuelling greater curiosity.
The film’s screenwriter, who also worked on other TikTok-inspired productions, emphasised that the real Norma was involved in the creative process. While some parts were dramatised for emotional impact, the core story remains consistent. The writer added that the film offers a way for audiences to release emotions and spark conversation.
The real-life individuals at the centre of the scandal have faced legal consequences. Norma’s mother served an eight-month prison sentence for adultery, while her ex-husband was jailed for nine months. Norma herself, who now works in her hometown, has said the overwhelming support from other victims of cheating spouses encouraged her.
During a press appearance, she reflected that speaking out revealed she was not alone in her experience. The screenwriter echoed this, stating the film represents a small step for women to speak out against infidelity and violence. For many, such true stories serve as a space for empowerment and a source of courage in a patriarchal society. Norma continues to receive an outpouring of public support on her social media, where she shares updates on her life.