Reception Analysis of the Sandwich Generation in Home Sweet Loan Film

Abstract

The sandwich generation, particularly among Millennials and Generation Z, faces the dual burden of supporting both older and younger family members amidst rising economic pressures. This study explores how members of this generation interpret the representation of their lived experiences in the Indonesian feature film Home Sweet Loan. Using Stuart Hall’s reception analysis framework, the research investigates how four selected informants—aged 19 to 44 and experiencing sandwich generation conditions—decode the film’s message. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed qualitatively. Findings reveal that most participants occupied a dominant-hegemonic position, fully accepting the film’s portrayal of familial and financial struggles. One informant adopted a negotiated position, aligning with some elements while resisting others. The informants’ interpretations were shaped by their generational identity, educational background, and socio-economic experiences. This study contributes to the discourse on media reception in Indonesia by highlighting how film serves not only as a medium of entertainment, but also as a space for reflecting socio-cultural realities. It underscores the role of cinema in fostering empathy, awareness, and intergenerational dialogue.