NOTA unfolds as a psychological thriller set against the striking backdrop of Malaysia’s diverse landscapes. Kamal and Erin, a couple in the throes of a midlife crisis after years of failed attempts to have a child, embark on a 10th‑anniversary trip to Bako National Park, revisiting the place where their love once thrived. On the journey, Erin discovers Kamal drafting a suicide note, a revelation that shocks her into guilt and sorrow, only to later uncover that there is more to the story than she imagined.
The film’s cinematography is central to its atmosphere, weaving together tropical landscape photography, the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur’s city life, and the mystery of East Malaysia’s jungles. Filming partially in the rainforest of Bako National Park allowed the production to capture raw, natural imagery that contrasts with the polished urban visuals of Kuala Lumpur. This interplay between natural and urban environments heightens the film’s tension, reflecting the collision of personal crisis and external mystery.
Directed and written by Yasu Tanaka and produced by Bea Tanaka and 42nd Pictures, the film stars Ramli Hassan, Maya Karin, and Hans Isaac. It marked Tanaka’s directorial debut in Malay cinema. The film received the Best Screenplay Award at Festival Film Malaysia and earned five additional nominations including Best Picture, cementing its place as a notable entry in Malaysian cinema
