Pungut: A Gritty Tale of Power and Survival

Areel Abu Bakar returns with his latest film, Pungut, following the success of Geran and Walid. This time, he takes us into a world filled with grim choices—one built on filth, disgust, and despair. From the outset, viewers are immersed in the harsh reality of Salleh, a scavenger living in a slum near a landfill. The stench of garbage and the hopelessness of the environment dominate the narrative, symbolizing the neglect faced by the marginalized.

Beyond Salleh’s story, the film also delves into the life of Omar, a young man trying to escape this trash-filled world. Alongside his friend, Li Cekoroi, Omar struggles to change their fate, even as they are weighed down by family issues, such as his gambling-addicted uncle, Man Pening. The dynamics between other characters, like Saleh Rimau, Din Cengkol, and Baha Kaki Lipat, create a fascinating power struggle, as if they’re fighting to rule this “trash kingdom” they inhabit.

Pungut delivers a sharp social critique, questioning power, authority, and human dignity, even in the most degrading circumstances. In this world, even when surrounded by waste, people still seek control, revealing the inherent greed in human nature.

However, the film is not without its flaws. While Areel succeeds in creating a bleak and stinking world, there’s a disconnect between the narrative setting and the characters’ lives. The characters seem too comfortable in an environment that should be more repulsive and challenging. Although symbolically strong, their portrayal sometimes feels too idealistic and less realistic for a world meant to represent suffering.

In terms of performances, Wak Didi and Aman Graseka bring their characters to life effectively, though at times, the chemistry between them feels lacking. On the other hand, characters like Man Pening and Baha Kaki Lipat, despite their potential, come across as somewhat exaggerated. Man Pening, for instance, could have been developed more subtly, while Baha Kaki Lipat might have been more impactful as a leader if portrayed as more composed and strategic rather than merely seeking attention.

Overall, Pungut is a film worth watching—not because it’s flawless, but because it offers a profound reflection on human nature and their struggles in a world full of filth, both literal and metaphorical. The film reminds us that in every step we take in life, no matter where we are, there are stones on the path that we must pick up and carry as lessons.