Dear Nathan

Dear Nathan

Year: 2017

Runtime: 98 mins

Language: Indonesian

Director: Indra Gunawan

DramaRomance

The romance between a teen troublemaker and the girl he adores faces an emotional test when his ex returns to play with his heart.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Dear Nathan yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Dear Nathan (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dear Nathan (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

Set in contemporary Indonesia, the story follows a school year at Garuda High School. It centers on Salma’s arrival, her growing relationship with Nathan, and the challenges they face from past events and family issues. The time period emphasizes modern teenage life, school routines, and social pressures.

Location

Garuda High School, Indonesia

The events unfold largely within Garuda High School, a typical Indonesian urban campus with classrooms, corridors, and student clubs. The school serves as the backdrop for Salma’s transfer and the evolving romance with Nathan, as well as the social dynamics of teenage life. The setting grounds the drama in a recognizable, contemporary Indonesian school environment.

🎒 High School 🏫 Indonesian setting 🧭 Urban environment

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:32

Main Characters – Dear Nathan (2017)

Meet the key characters of Dear Nathan (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Salma (Amanda Rawles)

A disciplined and diligent student who transfers to Garuda High School. She initially keeps distance from Nathan but slowly falls for him and seeks to change him for the better. Salma’s resilience and empathy drive much of the relationship’s evolution, as she balances school life with personal compassion.

🎒 Diligent student 💖 Romantic partner 🤝 Supportive friend

Nathan (Jefri Nichol)

Known for his naughty, delinquent image and willingness to fight, Nathan is drawn to Salma and gradually opens up. He strives to change his behavior and repair strained family ties, often wrestling with guilt and a troubled past. His transformation is gradual and imperfect, shaped by love and hardship.

🗯️ Delinquent teen 🧭 Reform-seeking 💥 Troubled past

Nathan's Mother (Ayu Dyah Pasha)

Since Nathan’s twin Daniel died in a fight, Nathan’s mother has struggled with mental illness and is treated in a mental hospital. She sometimes mistakes Nathan for Daniel, creating emotional strain for both of them. Her condition adds a weighty, emotional dimension to Nathan’s actions and responsibilities.

💊 Mental illness 🧠 Emotional strain 🏥 Hospitalized

Ardi (Surya Saputra)

Nathan’s father who leaves the family and remarries, contributing to the sense of abandonment and family fracture Nathan experiences. His absence helps explain Nathan’s volatile tendencies and the challenges Salma aims to help him overcome.

🚶‍♂️ Absent father 💔 Family breakdown 🔄 Reconciliation potential

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:32

Major Themes – Dear Nathan (2017)

Explore the central themes of Dear Nathan (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔄 Growth

The film traces personal growth as Salma and Nathan influence each other. Nathan attempts to shed his delinquent image, while Salma helps him confront his family troubles and past mistakes. Their evolving dynamic Drives both characters toward maturity, even when progress is imperfect.

💞 Romance

A slow-burning romance develops between two contrasting teens, highlighting how love can motivate change. Obstacles from Nathan’s past relationships and family issues test their commitment. Mutual support and understanding become the foundation for their relationship.

🧠 Mental Health

Nathan’s family struggles, including his mother's mental illness and the death of his twin, deeply affect him. The film touches on stigma, empathy, and the longing for connection within a fractured family. Nathan’s journey toward healing is intertwined with Salma’s care and patience.

Last Updated: October 01, 2025 at 12:32

Unlock the Full Story of Dear Nathan

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dear Nathan in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dear Nathan is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dear Nathan Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dear Nathan, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dear Nathan Summary

Dear Nathan Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dear Nathan with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dear Nathan Timeline

Dear Nathan Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Dear Nathan that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Dear Nathan Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Dear Nathan

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dear Nathan: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dear Nathan

Explore More About Movie Dear Nathan

Dear Nathan (2017) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Dear Nathan (2017) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Dear Nathan (2017) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow